TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to Jastine Valdez (24) who was laid to rest today in her hometown of Aritao in Phillippines.

The young woman was abducted and killed on 19 May by Mark Hennessy, a married father-of-two, in Enniskerry Co Wicklow. Hennessy murdered Jastine 45 minutes after he forced her into his car while as was walking home from work.

He was shot dead by gardaí the following day and the 24-year-old’s body was located at Puck’s Castle in Rathmichael, Co Dublin.

Jastine Valdez was repatriated to the Philippines last month and her funeral took place today.

The Honorary Consul for the Philippines in Ireland Mark Cristopher Congdon paid tribute to her and her family, in particular her parents Teresita and Danilo, who she had been living with in Co Wicklow.

“We remember the sincere pouring of empathy of both the people of the Philippines and Ireland and all the incredible acts of quiet kindness shown in respect of Jastine, a young girl at the beginning of an exciting journey in life who was tragically and inexplicably taken.

We remember the Hennessy family, innocent victims subsumed by this senseless tragedy.

Most of all we remember a beautiful young daughter, granddaughter, cousin and friend. A young, hard-working lady, full of love, fun, joy and so many dreams for the future.

Congdon said Jastine has been laid to rest with her late grandfather and uncle “in comfort and peace”.

“We will always miss you Jastine and miss what could have been.

“Take care you have done some service to both the people of the Philippines and Ireland by bringing us closer together in grief and warmth for a brighter future in your memory.”