The Late Johnny Lynch There was a massive outpouring of grief in the East Galway village of Kiltormer as they came out in droves to bury one of their own who had lost his life in a motoring accident near Gort. As news filtered through of the fatal two-car crash last week, the name of Johnny Lynch of Coxtown, Kiltormer, emerged as the victim. The 20 year old had been visiting his brother in Limerick and was returning to his place of work in Loughrea when the accident occurred. A second year apprentice carpenter, he was the eldest of a family of seven of John and Rita (nee Kelly) Lynch. Throughout his short life Johnny endeared himself to many as a shining example of a young man growing up with a responsible outlook. He worked hard, played all types of sport and was looked up to with pride by his brothers and sisters. He loved nature, belied his years in his knowledge of horses and set standards that few could equal. Johnny was educated in Kiltormer National School and then went on to Portumna College before embarking on a FAS apprenticeship in carpentry. He also enjoyed helping out on the family farm, particularly with horses where his father John, has a number of stallions at the Windmill View Stud. His father described his late son as "a great worker, a grafter, he could handle anything and he was great with horses." Johnny latest sporting success was winning a County Junior C hurling title last year with Kiltormer, when he lined out at centrefield against Annaghdown in Craughwell. He was previously won a County under-12 title with Kiltormer, had figured in two under 14 Féile finals and was on under-16 and under-18 hurling panels that won County titles He also played football and soccer with his club and was regarded as an exemplary sportsman. As the body of the young man was brought back to the family home to repose, there was a numbness in the air as neighbours and friends tried to grasp the reality of the tragedy. A young man, full of the joys of life, wrenched from their midst. The closely knit community of Kiltormer found it hard to come to terms with the loss. And as the huge crowd of sympathisers, from near and far, filed past the open coffin in his home, there was many a tear shed from the popular young man. His remains were brought to St. Mary's Church in Lawrencetown for the funeral mass, following which the burial took place in the New Cemetery in Kiltormer. It was the largest seen in the locality and a testimony to the popularity of the young man and his family. There were many emotional scenes as Fr. Sean Neylon P.P. Taughmaconnell, was the chief celebrant of the funeral Mass in a packed Lawrencetown Church. The guard of honour of his funeral comprised and local GAA and soccer clubs, both of whom had figured so prominently in his short life. Johnny Lynch is survived by his heartbroken parents John and Rita, brothers James and Jason, sisters Claire, Amanda, Margarette and Nicola; uncles, aunts, cousins as well as his many friends and neighbours. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 22nd February 2008 Tweet

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