Balloons mark two years since Riedo death

DOZENS OF multi-coloured balloons were released in westerly winds over Galway last night to mark the second anniversary of the murder of Swiss student Manuela Riedo in the city.

Some 1,200 people, including Ms Riedo’s parents, Hans-Peter and Arlette, also attended a sell- out concert to raise funds for the foundation which has been set up in the 17-year-old student’s name.

They were joined by the parents of Colm Phelan of Roscrea, Co Tipperary, who died after an attack in Eyre Square in 1996.

Galway man Gerald Barry (29), who was convicted of Ms Riedo’s killing, was jailed for five years for violent disorder causing death arising out of an unprovoked attack by a group of men on Mr Phelan.

The Manuela Riedo Foundation aims to help victims of rape and their families across Europe and was initiated with the support of the Riedos by Swiss-based Irish businessman Brendan McGuinness.

Musician Sharon Shannon, singer Mary McPartlan, All Ireland talent show winners the Mulkerrins Brothers and Galway tenor Frank Naughton performed at the concert in Salthill, along with Lucia Evans, Marc Roberts and the cast of Trad on the Prom.

Organiser Shane Lennon, who has also been involved in the Chernobyl Children’s Project in Galway, said the decision to release the balloons was intended to mark the second anniversary of Ms Riedo’s burial in her native Switzerland.

After her funeral, family and friends released balloons at the graveside to mark her spirit’s release.

Mr Lennon hopes that most of the €30,000 raised would go directly towards the foundation, as costs were low. Accounts would be audited and monitored under both Irish and Swiss law, he said.

The overwhelming public response to the concert reflected the depth of feeling about Ms Riedo’s death in the city, he added.

Ms Riedo, an only child, had just arrived to learn English in October 2007 when she was attacked by Barry near Renmore.