Search ends in Laois for Fiona Pender's remains
Gardaí near the search scene in Clonaslee. Photo: Aisling Hyland
A SEARCH of open ground near a Laois village, as part of an ongoing investigation into Fiona Pender’s murder, was concluded on Thursday afternoon.
The search for the young Offaly woman’s remains began on Wednesday morning near Clonaslee, not far from the location of an unsuccessful search 11 years ago at Capard, Rosenallis in the Slieve Blooms.
Air space above the search area was restricted by the Irish Aviation Authority and the Ross Road at Clonaslee was closed, from the R422 entrance to the R440 entrance, while the intensive search continued overnight on Wednesday and into the following day.
As the dig began, gardaí said the site would be subject to ‘excavation, technical and forensic examinations’.
Gardaí confirmed at 5.15pm on Thursday that the search operation near Clonaslee had concluded. They said that the results of the search were not being released for operational reasons and that they had updated Fiona’s family on any developments.
It was the second search within days this week, following the conclusion of a dig on land at Graigue, Killeigh, Co Offaly, near the Laois/Offaly border, on Tuesday 27 May.
Both searches were part of what gardaí described as ‘a sustained investigation’ in the Laois/Offaly Garda Division over the past 28 years since Fiona went missing.
The 25-year-old was seven months’ pregnant at the time of her disappearance. The investigation is continuing, led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO).
Gardaí said: ‘Fiona’s remains have never been located. No person has been brought to justice for the disappearance and murder of Fiona at this time.’
Fiona was last seen at about 6am on Friday 23 August 1996, when she was at her flat on Church Street, Tullamore. With long blonde hair and about 5'5" in height, she was wearing bright coloured clothing and white leggings.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone with information to contact them, including those who previously came forward but felt they could not provide all the information they had at the time.
Gardaí asked anyone with information ‘no matter how small or insignificant you might believe it to be’ to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 9327600, or any garda station. Anyone who wishes to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
