Late Lisnaskea woman 'touched everyone in her life'

The body of the 23-year-old, who has strong family links to Lisnaskea, was recovered from a canal in Co. Monaghan on St. Patrick’s Day.

Parish Priest, Rev. Jimmy McPhillips, said the local community has been deeply impacted by the tragedy, and added that “unanswered questions” are making things “even more difficult to cope with”.

The recovery of Ms. Lynch from the Ulster Canal was followed by discovery of a second body, a man in his 20s, along a laneway on the outskirts of Monaghan town just before 8am on Wednesday.

A Gardaí spokesperson confirmed that an investigation into both tragic incidents is ongoing.

Ms. Lynch, who was living in Gilford, Co. Armagh and had family links to Lisnaskea, will be laid to rest tomorrow (Friday).

Fr. McPhillips said the late Ms. Lynch “was at her happiest when she was with the family”.

“She was amazing with children, and in particular her siblings,” Fr. McPhillips said.

“At home with family was all that she needed, even the extended family had such an impact upon her.

“In particular, her grandparents, whom she simply adored, and they her, had a special relationship with her.

“As a daughter, Julieanne and Sean couldn’t have asked for any better.”

Fr. McPhillips continued: “She had a radiant smile and loved her style. She loved music, and in particular Drum and Bass.

“Kelly loved her piercings and her long, thick eyelashes; she loved nature and supernatural dramas.

“She was very grounded and had no airs or graces about her. By nature she was shy, but she always had the confidence of her parents.”

Gardaí have confirmed that a post-mortem examination on Ms. Lynch has been completed.

Fr. McPhillips added: “So many unanswered questions are leaving it even more difficult to cope with.”

A GoFundMe set up to help with Ms. Lynch’s funeral costs has raised £3,975. She will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Church, Lisnaskea.

A family tribute to Ms. Lynch read: “Kelly was not just a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin; she was a bright light in all of our lives.

“Her laughter, compassionate heart, and love touched everyone in her life. She had dreams and a future filled with endless possibilities, but tragically, those dreams have been cut short.

“Her sudden passing has left a void in our hearts that can never be filled.”

Ms. Lynch was a beloved daughter of Seán and Julieanne, cherished sister of Kristopher, Matthew, Rory, Poppy and Finn, and darling granddaughter of Maurice and Patsy Gilroy and Bernie Lynch.