An Irish state pathologist has dismissed a private pathology report that deemed the death of Kelly Lynch a homicide. The 23-year-old from Lisnaskea in Fermanagh died after her body was found in a Monaghan canal on St. Patrick's Day 2024, following a night out with friends in Monaghan town.

Initial post-mortem results led An Garda Síochána to classify the death as non-suspicious. A private report from a US-based expert, who trained in Ireland, determined the death resulted from a violent physical assault, with the body likely moved post-mortem.

A former Northern Ireland pathologist also questioned evidence for drowning in a separate autopsy. After reviewing these, the Irish state pathologist upheld the original conclusion of drowning.

The state report attributes post-mortem injuries to insects and animals. It states other injuries align with a fall from height and finds no evidence of physical assault.

Kelly Lynch's mother, Julieanne, rejects the state findings. She plans to seek more details on the death and has requested a meeting with Irish Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan.