Valentine's Day memorial ball for a Limerick teenager never to be forgotten

A LIMERICK teenager who spread so much love during her life will be remembered at the fourth Valentine’s Day ball in her honour.

Martina, from Ballyneety, would have turned 32 on February 12 next. Tragically, she was taken from her parents Martin and Mary, and sisters, Michelle, Melissa and Marion, extended family and many friends, unexpectedly at just 14 in 2008.

She had a rare condition called mucopolysaccharide (MPS) but Martina never let it define her.

Her family and friends organised the first Martina Lynch Valentine Day’s memorial ball in 2018 to mark the 10th anniversary of her passing and raise funds for a good cause. It was an opportunity to remember how full of life Tina was and how much she packed into her 14 years.

All monies raised were donated to the MPS Society, the only registered charity providing professional support to individuals and families affected by MPS.

It was such a success that they decided to hold it every two years with another ball in 2020 and then 2024 due to a Covid-enforced four year break.

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Now the Lynch family say they are thrilled to announce that “our fourth memorial ball in loving memory of our beautiful daughter and sister, Martina, will take place on Saturday, 14 February 14 in the Greenhills Hotel”.

“Join us for an unforgettable night filled with fun, laughter, dancing, and wonderful company - as we come together to celebrate Martina's life and raise vital funds for a truly worthy charity, the Irish MPS Society,” they say.

Tickets for the black-tie gala event are available online. 

Martina was a big fan of fairy stories like Cinderella going to the ball and loved dressing up so she inspired the ball in more ways than one. She would have been in her element amid all the glamour and live music.

The Lynchs and friends, including close family friend Geraldine Haigney, are busy organising this year’s Valentine Day’s memorial ball and making it another touching celebration of Martina’s life.