Stephen Lynch’s mother speaks to The Echo about community’s overwhelming support

STEPHEN Lynch’s mother Vera Donovan has thanked the community of Tallaght for “holding her up” in the days since her 32-year-old son was violently taken from her.

Over the past week, the community of Tallaght has offered its support and solidarity to Stephen’s family and friends, with many expressing anger, sadness and despair over the brutal, early evening attack – which took the life of an innocent father, son, brother, partner, uncle, friend and neighbour.

Described by those who loved him as a genuine, funny and caring lad, Stephen, who was a massive Shamrock Rovers’ fan, was remembered with a minute applause at Monday’s EA Sports Cup game in Tallaght Stadium between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians.

The dad-of-three has also been remembered through the Stephen Lynch Memorial Page, while flowers and tributes have been left at the family home in Glenshane since Stephen lost his life after being deliberately hit with a car in Brookview last Thursday, April 13.

Last night, hundreds of people also gathered at the family home for a vigil in memory of Stephen and in solidarity with his family and friends.

Speaking with The Echo before the vigil, Stephen’s mam Vera said: “I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the support from Tallaght and the surrounding areas.

“I feel like everyone is behind me and holding me up because I am not able to carry myself.

“If I didn’t have this support, I would have gone to bed and never gotten up.”

She added: “I really want to thank everybody for the sheer volume of texts, cards, floral tributes and teddies that have arrived in recent days.

“Even people that I don’t know have gotten in touch such as other mothers who have lost a child and are offering me support as a mother.

“I also think it was lovely that people organised the vigil and the beautiful tribute to Stephen outside our home.

“I knew Stephen was popular but not this popular and everybody has been really amazing and are carrying me and my family.”

When asked if she had any words for those responsible for her son’s death, Vera said: “Stephen was my son, my baby, and it doesn’t matter what I say to the people who did this, he is never coming back.”

Stephen’s funeral mass on Friday morning, April 21, at 11am in St Aidan’s Church in Brookfield, after which he will be laid to rest in Newlands Cross Cemetery.