The heartbroken father of the Wexford student murdered after a Nicki Minaj gig in Tokyo has vowed to make her death count for something.

Nicola Furlong was buried in the Wexford seaside town of Curracloe on Sunday, her pink coffin draped in the Irish flag.

The 21-year-old exchange student was murdered and her Irish friend assaulted after they met two Americans in a Tokyo train station.

The pair had missed their last train home and were invited to a nearby hotel by the two men.
Both men, a rapper and a dancer from the US, are now in custody and face the death penalty if found guilty of Nicola’s murder.

US dancer James Blackston, 23, and an unnamed pal, 19, are in custody on sex assault charges while cops probe Nicola’s death.

Her grieving father has vowed that his daughter’s death will not be in vain and told the Irish Sun newspaper that it should be a warning about the dangers facing young adults on nights out.

Andrew Furlong said: “There is a lesson to be learned from Nicola’s death.

“Kids need to be wary when they go out for a night. I’ve heard about things like this before. I never thought it would come home to roost.”

The devastated dad added: “If we can get the message out there, adult kids need to beware. Nicola’s death could lead to a campaign.”

Nicola was due to be buried just yards from her family home in the Wexford resort.

Uncle Denis Corrigan said: “Nicola’s favourite songs will be played at her funeral. We have set up speakers outside the church. We anticipate huge crowds.”