Missing Offaly woman’s brother Fiona Pender pays tribute to Ashling Murphy, who was killed in the aisle named after her sister

The brother of missing Offaly woman Fiona Pender has paid tribute to tragic teacher Ashling Murphy, who was killed on a walkway named after his sister.

John Pender said the tragic events that occurred in the area on Wednesday left him in shock.

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The brutal murder happened just 500 meters from the childhood home of missing mother Fiona Pender and on a walkway named after her.

John told RTE’s Prime Time: “It has definitely changed the atmosphere here today and forever beyond. I feel this is a place where I don’t think people will feel the same sense of security. here again.

“My heart goes out to parents and especially Ashling and losing a child is one of the saddest. Standing here today, I feel very differently about the area.

“It’s shocking what has happened. All I can do is send my condolences to friends and family.”

Fiona Pender was last seen on August 23, 1996 at her apartment on Church St in the town of Co Offaly at 6am.

The walking path known as Fiona’s Path was opened on the 25th anniversary of the woman’s disappearance.

It came as Gardai vowed to “leave no stone unturned” in their investigation of the Offaly horror murders.

Young teacher Ashling Murphy, 23, was violently attacked along a canal in Cappincur, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, at about 4pm yesterday.

A talented musician, who used to work at Durrow National School, was jogging along a famous route when he was caught in a “gratuitous and random attacks”.

It understands attack Ashling, who was from the Blueball section of Tullamore, was witnessed by other hikers.

Gardai has now opened a major investigation with a team of more than 50 officers involved in the investigation.

Speaking from the scene this morning, Tullamore Garda Station Superintendent Eamonn Curley vowed “not a single stone will be missed in bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice”.

Describing the deadly attack, he told reporters: “Yesterday, shortly after 4 p.m., Gardaí from Tullamore Garda station attended an incident at Grand Canal Way at Cappincur in Tullamore following a call from a member of the public.”

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