Fiona Pender statue and walkway set for unveiling next week

A statue in memory of missing Fiona Pender designed by her brother John is to be unveiled in Tullamore on Sunday week, May 11. A 4.5km walkway along the canal will also be named “Fiona’a Way” as part of the official unveiling ceremony.

Speaking this week Fiona’s mother Josephine said she’s delighted a memorial for her daughter is finally being put in place, and invited everyone to join with her on the day for the statue’s unveiling.

“This event will be a celebration of Fiona’s life as we might never get to lay her to rest,” Josephine said. “I am publicly inviting all those who have supported us to attend on the day as a lot of effort was made by many people, with petitions and organising fundraisers for this to happen.”

Josephine also thanked Waterways Ireland for making the site for the monument available, as well as the town council for organising and landscaping its site.

Welcoming the announcement, local councillor Brendan Killeavy paid tribute to the local people who made the statue and walkway possible.

“The walkway along the canal is very significant in many ways as it is a popular local amenity used by many people,” he added. “It is planned to promote the walkway locally so that community and charity groups can use the walkway to raise funds for their causes while at the same time keeping Fiona’s memory alive.”

“Fiona’s Way” will be officially opened and her statue unveiled beside the Grand Canal at Callery Street in Tullamore on May 11 at 4pm.