Vigil held to mark the 30th birthday of missing Amy Fitzpatrick

The Dubliner was 15 when she disappeared on New Year's Day near her home in Spain in 2008.

Among a crowd of over 50 people who gathered at the Garden of Serenity in Edenmore in north Dublin were several members of Amy's paternal family, including her aunt Christine, uncle Billy, cousin Martina and childhood friends Amy Carroll and Shauna Green.

Local politicians present included Cllr Terence Flanagan (FG) and TD Denise Mitchell (SF).

A trio of local Gardai also attended in a private capacity.

Community activist Teresa Kelly helped organise the vigil, at which a guitarist played songs.

Pictures of Amy and balloons were hung nearby, while candles lay on the ground spelling "Amy."

Local priest Fr Paddy Boyle also said prayers at the vigil to remember Amy.

"I plead with the Government to do more about Amy's disappearance and put more pressure on the Spanish authorities to find out what happened to her," said Christine.

"Today would have been her 30th birthday and a time of celebration but we are here in a more poignant way. Hopefully we can have some closure soon."

Guitarist Martin Kenny played 'happy birthday' among other songs and Christine thanked those who attended.

Amy's dad Christopher was too ill to attend.

Her mother Audrey, who was minding Amy when she disappeared, was marking the birthday in Carrick-on-Shannon with her current husband Dave Mahon.