GARDAI have refused to be drawn on claims that an investigation into Kelly Lynch's death has been "mishandled".

Kelly, a native of Lisnaskea who was living in Gilford, County Armagh was found dead in the Ulster Canal at 8.30am on March 17, St Patrick's Day.

Her grieving mother, Julieanne, has since raised concerns about what she feels is an “ongoing failure” from the Garda to properly investigate the case.

Mrs. Lynch's concerns are wide-ranging, right from when she learned of her daughter's death via a "highly insensitive" phone call on March 17, to what she feels is an ongoing failure to properly investigate her death.

As a result, she has taken the case to The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

Gardai was asked for an update on the investigation into the death of Ms. Lynch, and also asked for a response to claims that the investigation has been "mishandled".

A spokesperson outlined that on March 17, a "post-mortem was completed by the State Pathologist."

"As a result of the preliminary findings and consultation with the State Pathologist, the focus of this investigation moved towards the completion of an inquest file for the coroner."

The statement continued: "As the preparation of the Inquest file is ongoing, no further comment is available at this time."

A Garda spokesperson added that at the outset of the investigation, a Family Liaison Officer was appointed to the Lynch family.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) was also approached about a statement in relation to the Lynch family’s complaints against the Garda.

A statement from the independent organisation read: “GSOC does not confirm or deny the existence of complaints made by or against individuals.

“This is to protect the investigative process, and the rights both of complainants and those complained against.”

Despite this, Kelly's loved ones are still waiting for answers on the circumstances surrounding her death.

Speaking at her funeral in Lisnaskea in March, Fr Jimmy McPhillips noted there were “so many questions still unanswered, and so much uncertainty still about her tragic death.”

Earlier this month, mother, Julieanne penned an account of what she feels was going through Kelly's head at the time of her death, which also alluded to ongoing uncertainty and “confusion” over the 23-year-old’s death.

The first-person account from the published author said: "I lay in shallow water, under a bridge for more than a day.

"No one alerted my parents that I was missing. Not even my boyfriend. And I know Mammy would have been panicking because we kept in touch daily when I was away. It was one rule she was extremely strict on.

"No one came looking for me. Why?  No one seemed to care that I was gone. Why?

I always thought if someone truly loved you, they’d protect you at all costs.

"But I now know for certain that’s not true. Because if it was, I wouldn’t have died."

The account continued: "There’s so much confusion over how I died. And I wish I could help. And only the people who I was with know the truth.

I had so many plans. I had made a new year list of goals. Especially with the New Moon, I felt so positive about everything.

"Mammy and daddy encouraged me every day and they helped me when I had found life tough a few years ago, especially after COVID. But they didn’t give up on me, and I’d found my hope again."

She 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. She was predeceased by her grandfather, Sam.

A family tribute to Kelly 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.”