FLYING HIGH: Aidan O'Connor during the skydive in memory of Stephen Lyne.

By Michelle Crean

Locals took to the skies – a whole 10,000 feet in fact – to remember one local lad who tragically died 10 years ago.

The 10 participants, who travelled to Edenderry in Offaly for the ‘Jump for Stephen’ skydive on June 15, included Susan O’Donoghue, Aisling Flemming, Jake O’Donoghue, Dan O’Connor, Susan Murhill, Michael Landley, Aaron Morris, Liadh Tobin, Graham O’Connor and Aidan O’Connor.

The group took part in the fundraiser to support Lotte Lyne, who now runs the ‘Roots of Empathy’ program in primary schools in Killarney, after her son Stephen was murdered in  knife attack in the town 10 years ago.

Through the programme, she’s hoping youngsters will learn to connect with others on a deeper level and not turn to violence as they grow.  “The day was fabulous, weather conditions were great for the skydive and all 10 did their skydive from 10,000 feet,” Lotte told the Killarney Advertiser.

“All of them found the experience incredible and would do it again. I am so grateful to these wonderful local heroes for doing the ‘Jump for Stephen’ in memory of Stephen’s 10th anniversary, and also for their tireless efforts in raising much needed funds to keep ‘Roots of Empathy’ programme in our primary schools.”
The total amount raised is not yet finalised, but she’s hoping to have a final figure by the end of the week.

“I would also like to thank O’Callaghan Coaches for sponsoring the bus. They sent us to Offaly in one of their luxurious new busses which made the trip up and down very comfortable and enjoyable. I am so grateful to local businesses when they go above and beyond to support the Stephen Lyne Foundation,” she said.

[caption id="attachment_27105" align="aligncenter" width="3024"] ONE...TWO...JUMP! The participants who did the skydive in memory of Stephen Lyne included Susan O’Donoghue, Aisling Flemming, Jake O’Donoghue, Dan O’Connor, Susan Murhill, Michael Landley, Aaron Morris, Liadh Tobin, Graham O’Connor and Aidan O’Connor.[/caption]