heartbreaking | 

Locals remain in fear as vigil for murdered mum Lisa Thompson is held in Ballymun

Ahead of her funeral on Monday, friends and neighbours joined members of her family at the vigil at the Axis Centre in the heart of the community

Lisa Thompson

Neil Fetherstonhaugh

A local councillor who attended a candlelit vigil for murdered mum Lisa Thompson last night said a real sense of fear hangs in the community as her killer remains on the loose

The 52-year-old who was stabbed up to 12 times at her home in Sandyhill Court, Ballymun, was discovered by neighbours at 3.30pm on Tuesday, May 10.

Ahead of her funeral on Monday, friends and neighbours joined members of her family at the vigil and minute's silence at the Axis Centre in the heart of the community.

Cllr Caroline Conroy said there was a high turn out for what she described as an emotional gathering.

"Everybody lit candles and brought flowers,” she said. “They played Lisa’s favourite song from Voyager and balloons were released. It was very touching to be there.”

Family and friends of Lisa Thompson attend the candle lit vigil

Cllr Conroy added that it was “shocking that such a young woman was taken in such a violent manner”.

“I didn't know her personally but I would have known of her and I believe she was a very nice person,” she said.

“I don’t know what to say, it’s just heart-breaking what has happened. I grew up in Ballymun and I've never heard of such violent incidents happening one after the other like that," she added, referring to other women who died through knife crime.

"It’s just really worrying for the rest of the community, and for women as well, particularly as they haven’t got anybody yet.

"There is a fear there as well, because whoever is responsible is still on the loose. It’s there in the background. And young girls, teenagers, going about their business, they're petrified.

"When these terrible things happen and are talked about in the community these young women are obviously aware of it and it stresses them out and worries them. They wonder if somebody is going to come out after them.

“I just hope that if anybody knows anything that they will come forward and the guards will treat that confidentially. It’s very upsetting for the family as well, not to know who has done this and the fact they’ve not been found.”

Cllr Conroy said she had spoken to one of her friends who organised the vigil and she was heartbroken.

"She told me that Lisa’s children had thanked her for organising the vigil," Cllr Conroy said.

Family and friends of Lisa Thompson attend a candle lit vigil and a minute's silence outside the Axis centre in Ballymun

On her death notice on RIP.ie it states that Lisa who died “tragically” was the beloved mother of Kyle and Brook, loving daughter of Bernadette and cherished sister of Ashley and Stefan.

“Lisa will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her children and their father Thomas, mother, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, friends and all who knew and love her," it reads.

Lisa’s removal will take place on Monday morning to the Church of the Holy Spirit, Ballymun, arriving for 10am Funeral Mass, after which she will be laid to rest privately.

In the condolences section, people have left numerous messages of sympathy.

Family and friends of Lisa Thompson attend a candle lit vigil and a minute's silence outside the Axis centre in Ballymun

One person has written: “Lisa. Little did I know when I put a smile on your face with lifting your spirits with a new hairdo that I wouldn't see you again. I only met you once but your gentleness and kindness and devotion to your children stood out.

“Sleep easy now girl...give comfort to those who Love and Miss you. So many people have so much good to say about you. My instincts were right when I met you. A lady that was very Special!”

Another has added: “Deepest condolences to Lisa’s children and all her extended family and friends. Was really saddened to read of her untimely passing.”

Another person said they were: “Thinking off Lisa Thompson and her family. You were an amazing mother and loved your kids more than life its self. You had a very big Heart and a kind nature.

Going to miss you so much. You have your wings now. Sleep peacefully Lisa and watch over your kids and family.”


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