THE parents of murdered student Manuela Riedo returned to Galway this weekend to visit sexual assault support groups and decide where to invest €50,000 raised in their daughter's name.

Hans-Pieter and Arlette Riedo told a gathering yesterday that it had become easier to return to the city where 17-year-old Manuela was murdered thanks to the huge amount of local support. They said it was heartening that, thanks to fundraising for local causes, something good could come out of their daughter's death.

"Unfortunately Manuela just had two days to get to know Galway," they said. "We have our whole future to get to know Galway, form new friendships, to look at new things and to rebuild our future."

No decision has yet been made on where to invest the money raised at a concert in Galway last October although the couple are thought to be looking specifically at projects dealing with sexual violence and its prevention.

Glyn Carragher of the Galway Rape Crisis Centre (GRCC), who accompanied the Riedos on their visit, commended their determination to support local causes despite having to return to where Manuela was killed in October 2007.

"From a parent's perspective I don't know if I could ever speak about [a child's murder] again; their bravery is just outstanding," he said. "They are going to go out there and use the memory of their daughter to help others. I don't know if there is any better example of a selfless act."

The Riedos have used the visit to study initiatives that include education, prevention and assistance for the victims of sexual violence. At the GRCC they were told of the effects of budget cutbacks in the area, particularly in extending waiting lists for those desperately in need of support.

"They were very understanding," said Carragher. "I suppose everywhere has suffered similar cuts. If we were the only one that was cut we would feel aggrieved but it's across the board."

Speaking to the Sunday Tribune, Arlette Riedo said they had begun to come to terms with their daughter's death.

"She was in the wrong place at the wrong moment; it was fate for it to happen," she said. "We miss her but she's here in a way. Life was beautiful before and it is still as beautiful as ever. Sometimes when we are out in the garden we can feel her still with us."

In March last year, 29-year-old Gerard Barry from Rahoon was found guilty of Manuela Riedo's murder and sentenced to life in prison.