EAMON LYNCH SENTENCED IN DUNDALK FOR DECADES OF INDECENT ASSAULTS ON YOUNG BOYS

In January 2001, a former professional footballer from Dundalk was handed a significant prison sentence after admitting to a series of disturbing crimes involving young boys. Eamon Lynch, aged 34 and known for his time playing for Dundalk and Monaghan, was convicted of multiple counts of indecent assault committed over a span of several years. The offences, which targeted four young boys, were committed during his tenure as an underage soccer coach in Dundalk, and the court proceedings revealed a troubling pattern of abuse that spanned from 1986 to 1990.

At Dundalk Circuit Court, Lynch was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison. However, the final four years of this sentence were suspended, meaning he would serve only four years behind bars unless he committed further offences. The court heard the harrowing details of the abuse, which involved assaults on the victims in various settings, including the boys' home while Lynch was babysitting, and in the showers at a local football park. The victims, Barry and brothers Mark, Kieran, and Colin, chose to waive their right to anonymity, allowing their names to be publicly disclosed to ensure transparency in the case.

The court was informed that the abuse began when Lynch was just 19 years old, in 1986, and continued until 1990. The victims recounted how Lynch's misconduct extended beyond the football field. For instance, Kieran was assaulted while Lynch was teaching him to drive his mother’s car, an incident that followed international matches and even a trip to a Cup Final in Glasgow. During that trip, when Kieran expressed a desire to stay in another room and began crying, Lynch responded with anger, striking him and telling him to be quiet. Kieran described feeling helpless, scared, and believing that no one would believe him if he spoke out. He expressed that Lynch had taken away what should have been the best years of his life.

Mark, another victim, shared that he was terrified during the assaults and would pretend to be asleep when Lynch entered his bed. The trauma inflicted by Lynch's actions had a lasting impact on his life, leading him to leave Ireland altogether. Mark explained that he emigrated to South Africa to escape the memories and now resides just outside London. Colin, who was also victimized, revealed that he was too afraid to disclose what had happened until 1999. He echoed the sentiment that Lynch had robbed him of his youth and stated that he did not blame his parents for allowing Lynch into their home.

Barry’s ordeal began in 1989, during a period when he was recovering from a severe shooting accident that left him critically ill. Lynch would visit Barry under the guise of helping with his physical therapy but would then proceed to fondle him. After two years of abuse, Barry started making excuses to avoid Lynch’s visits. Barry expressed hope that justice would be served, emphasizing that he did not blame his parents for what transpired.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Lynch was married and had two young children. He offered an apology for his actions, acknowledging the harm he caused. Psychotherapist Bridget Hussey, who had been working with Lynch since his arrest in 1999 at the Granada Institute for sex offenders in Dublin, testified that Lynch was beginning to come to terms with his past and was unlikely to re-offend, given his current state of rehabilitation. She noted that Lynch was less than halfway through his treatment course.

Judge Raymond Groarke described the victim impact reports as deeply distressing and praised the courage of the four men for coming forward and sharing their experiences. The case highlighted the devastating effects of Lynch’s crimes on the victims’ lives and underscored the importance of justice for those affected.