Family of Grace Lynch to raise funds for Irish Road Victims Association
Olivia Kelleher
The loved ones of a 16-year-old girl who died after she was struck by a scrambler bike near her home in Finglas in Dublin have set up a fundraiser for the Irish Road Victims Association. (IRVA)
Grace Lynch died on January 25th last after an incident on the Ratoath Road between Scribblestown and Dunsink.
An 18-year-old man has been charged in connection with her death.
As a result of her death, scrambler bikes are now banned on public roads and public places. The new regulation has been named Grace’s Law and came into effect last week.
The family of the teenager say that Grace’s Legacy Fund aims to raise €10,000 for the IRVA. They want the fund to be a “lasting legacy” to her.
“Grace was just 16 years old when her life was tragically taken. She was a much-loved daughter, sister and friend - full of warmth, kindness, and promise. Her loss has left a space in our family and community that can never be filled.
"In the weeks following Grace’s death, we were overwhelmed by the love, compassion, and generosity shown to us. It carried us through the darkest days and reminded us that we were not alone.
"As time has passed, one thing has become clear: no parent should ever have to go through what our family has experienced.
"Grace’s story has touched people far beyond our family. We continue to hear from individuals asking how they can honour her memory or help protect other families from similar heartbreak.
"This fund offers a meaningful way to do that - quietly, respectfully, and with lasting impact.”
They add that the name Grace Lynch will always stand for love, courage and care for others.
The IRVA supports families impacted by road and bike-related incidents. They advocate for the rights, recognition and fair treatment of road crash victims, while working to promote road safety and prevent further tragedies on Irish roads. Donations can be made to the fund at https://gofund.me/814894be2
Meanwhile, Padraig Harrington of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) has warned that without a "professional license" and proper pursuit training, Grace’s Law is effectively unenforceable.
The GRA representative for Cork told the Opinion Line on Cork’s 96FM that while the legislation was designed to give gardai more power, current protocols prevent officers from acting.
"The minute you start pursuing somebody... one of the questions that you will be asked are, are you pursuit trained? Unless there’s an immediate threat to life... you will be stood down."
Harrington says that a major sticking point for the GRA is the lack of a separate professional driving license for emergency responders.
He said that if an officer is involved in an accident or prosecuted for dangerous driving during a pursuit, they risk losing their private driver’s license.
"Why would you risk your own licence... when you know you're going to be prosecuted? The vast majority of guards are married and have children and you’re affecting your own family."
He said that comprehensive pursuit training is non-existent within the force. Harrington noted that even elite units are primarily trained in "tactical stops" rather than high-speed chases.
Harrington questioned why Ireland has not adopted training programmes used by police in the UK.
He concluded that the new law remains a paper tiger until the practicalities of policing are addressed.
"There is no point in them implementing Grace’s law unless they can have it enforced. And at the moment, it can’t be enforced because there is no guard out there is willing to risk his own licence."
