One week on from the horrific murder of Swiss teenager Manuela Riedo in this city and Galway is still coming to terms with the fact that a determined killer could be walking amongst us.

Many of us will feel a sense of hopelessness and even guilt that we couldn't offer Maneula a safe haven during her stay. We must ensure that justice is done by catching her killer.

No one can presume to know what Ms Riedo was thinking when she came to Irish shores or set foot in Galway, or what she was thinking when she set out on her walk into town last Monday night. We can only begin to imagine what terrible pain her parents must be going through, what pain her extended family must be feeling, or how her friends will cope with and move on from this terrible assault on their beloved friend.

We can only know that, as we dealt with the weekly stresses of work or family life last week, a terrible fate befell her as she set out on her trek from Renmore into the city.

When something terrible befalls a society, it helps to have someone or something to blame. But, no one, other than the perpetrator, is to blame. Unfortunately, as we have come to realise time and again, more often than not, nothing can deter a determined killer. And still we all share a sense of guilt and shame following Ms Riedo's murder, that the city did not keep her safe in loco parentis during her stay.

As can be seen from the numerous tributes and books of condolences that have been opened to the family of Ms Riedo, Galway mourns with them. It doesn't seem like enough, but all we can do is express our condolences and assist in anyway we can to bring the murderer to justice.

The gardaí have renewed their appeal for witnesses that may be able to assist their investigation. They want to hear from people who were using the walkway between Renmore and Ceannt Station who have not contacted them. The critical time is between 7.15pm and 8pm on Monday last, 8 October. They especially would like to hear from anyone who may have noticed a change in the behaviour of people they know. The incident room in Galway is contactable at 091-538070 and the Garda confidential line is 1800 666 111.

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