There is great sadness in Letterkenny town today following the passing of former Independent Town Councillor and community activist Jim Lynch.
Mr Lynch died in the early hours of this morning following a short illness.
A respected former politician and a retired school principal at Cloughfin NS, Mr Lynch played a key role in countless aspects of local life.
He was first elected to the Town Council in 1985 and remained in his seat undefeated until the abolishment in 2014.
Mr Lynch also served as Chair of the Letterkenny Tidy Towns Committee and was the editor of the hugely popular Letterkenny Christmas Annual since 1982.
Jim Lynch marked the 40th edition of the Christmas Annual in 2021
A steadfast community activist, he set up the Letterkenny Community Heritage Group and was a driving force behind the restoration of the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter. His close link to Church Street stemmed from local resident Rose Harvey, who first nominated Jim nominated to enter politics. Jim’s political career began with Independent Fianna Fail. In 2009 he quit the party and ran as an Independent. He was elected as Mayor in 2009.
Jim also served on the Letterkenny Community Centre Committee, the International Folk Festival and the Letterkenny Reunion committees.
More recently he was Heritage Officer with the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Project and affectionately referred to as ‘The Father of the Cathedral Quarter’.
News of Mr Lynch’s passing has been met with great sadness throughout the town and county.
Mayor Donal Mandy Kelly with and his uncle Jim Lynch
Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly, who is a nephew of Jim’s, paid tribute to his uncle’s commitment to his community.
Cllr Kelly said farewell to his uncle with this tribute: “A real Letterkenny man that had so much passion for the best of the town and dedicated so much of his life up until his last day to help improve Letterkenny Town in the best way possible.
“He loved politics, heritage, history and was very involved in the Community through different avenues like the Christmas Annual and the Cathedral Quarter just to name a few.
“My sincere condolences to all the family and extended families and friends.
“Jim you were so good to me and I will cherish that for the rest of my days.
“You will be sadly missed and mourned by many.”
