“The past year has been horrific, just horrific”
By Mary Dennehy
AS STEPHEN Lynch’s mother faces the first anniversary of her son’s violent death, she appeals to anyone with information to come forward in confidence – and to help get justice for the young Tallaght dad.
On April 13 of last year, Stephen Lynch (31) lost his life after he was deliberately run over by a car on Brookview Close at around 7pm.
Vera Donovan and Stephen's brother Ray holding a picture of Stephen at a memorial in their front garden
It is believed that the young father, who gardai have confirmed was not involved in criminality, was walking in the area when he became involved in a verbal dispute with four men travelling in a silver Ford Focus – which was used to run over Stephen.
Since Stephen’s death, the community of Tallaght has stood behind his family, sharing their grief, despair and anger over the tragic loss of the father-of-three, who, a massive Shamrock Rovers fan, is remembered by friends and family as a genuine, funny and caring lad.
As she faces her eldest son’s first anniversary away from home this Friday, April 13, Vera Donovan bravely appeals to the community for information – encouraging anybody who was in the area that evening and who witnessed anything to come forward.
“We are appealing to anyone with information to come forward, phone the confidential [Garda] line, and put us out of our misery”, Vera told The Echo this week.
Justice
“People coming forward with information may help us to get some kind of justice.
“We’re just stuck here until we get justice, we can’t move forward at all.”
The evening that Stephen lost his life was a bright, spring day and there was people in the area when Stephen was attacked.
“Even if you have only a small bit of information, it may help with the investigation,” Vera said.
“People don’t need to come to us, they can contact the gardai confidentially.”
Looking back over the past 12 months, Vera said: “The past year has been horrific, just horrific.
“There’s been a nothingness, an awful emptiness for us all.
“It’s very hard for us to understand how this happened.”
This Friday, April 13, at 6.30pm, Stephen’s family and friends will gather at Vera’s home in Glenshane and walk to the spot on Brookview Close where Stephen lost his life.
People who knew Stephen and members of the community are invited to join the memorial walk, and remember the young dad and the lasting impact he has had on his family and friends.
Tallaght Superintendent Ian Lackey confirmed to The Echo that a file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in late 2017.
Supt Lackey said: “We are awaiting direction from the DPP however, we would still encourage anyone who has information to come forward and they will be treated in confidence.”
The Garda Confidential Line is 1800 666 111 or Tallaght Garda Station 6666000.
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