Posted by The mysterious death of 23-year-old Kelly Lynch points to something darker than a tragic accident. On Paddys Day 2024, the young woman from Lisnaskea, County Armagh, was found dead in the Ulster Canal in Monaghan Town, some 30 hours after she was last seen alive. What was initially described as an accidental drowning has since become one of the most contested death investigations in recent Irish history. In the immediate aftermath, the Gardaí stated her death was not suspicious, suggesting Kelly may have fallen into the shallow canal and drowned, and that the investigation would move towards a coroner’s file. Kelly’s parents, Julieanne and Sean Lynch, have challenged every aspect of the official narrative and I can see why. Between the physical evidence, investigative delays, and dodgy early handling of the case it points to something far more suspicious. Kelly’s body showed 93 separate injuries, including a broken jaw, bruising inconsistent with a fall, and marks on her hands and neck that suggest a struggle rather than a slip into shallow water. Central to the family’s criticism is the failure to secure CCTV footage from the night Kelly disappeared. Footage that could have clarified her final movements was not retrieved within the crucial first 24 to 48 hours, leaving a permanent gap in the timeline. When her clothes were returned weeks later, small red marks on her shoes were reportedly dismissed by a senior Garda, who suggested the family could arrange testing themselves. This shocking remark symbolised an investigation lacking urgency and care. Retired investigators have publicly questioned conflicting post-mortem findings, one citing drowning, another hypothermia, and the plausibility of the official explanation given the extent of Kelly’s injuries and the absence of water damage to her phone. Phone data, another potential source of clarity, has only been partially extracted, reportedly because the case was not treated as criminal. As of early 2025, Kelly’s mother has said she is considering legal action to compel full access to the data. Under mounting pressure, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris ordered a peer review by a senior officer from outside the local division. While not a full reopening, the review examines whether key lines of inquiry were missed. Alongside this, Fíosrú, formerly GSOC, is examining the conduct of the investigation. And a full coroner’s inquest is still pending. If you have any information contact An Garda Síochána (Monaghan Garda Station): +353 47 77200 (ask to speak to an Inspector, such as Inspector McGarvey, or other officers handling the case). Garda Confidential: 1800 666 111. Email the family’s campaign: justiceforkellylynch@gmail.com.
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