Twisted nun killer Kealen Herron is set to walk free from prison after being given his release date by the parole board.
Evil Herron has spent the last 24 years locked up after sexually assaulting and murdering Sr Philomena Lyons, 68, in the grounds of the Sacred Heart Convent, Ballybay, Co Monaghan, on December 15, 2001.
The 45-year-old was just 19 when he killed the beloved nun, who was hugely popular in her community.
Herron is understood to have been told he will be a free man by October after already being granted temporary release over the last year.
It is believed he could be released from Dublin’s Arbour Hill Prison as early as next month.
A source said: “Herron has been getting out on temporary day release from Arbour Hill Prison for the last year and has proven that he can abide by the strict conditions set out by the parole board.
“He developed a close friendship with killer David Lawler who was released from prison earlier this year.
“After nearly 24 years in custody it looks like he will finally be a free man too. He was given an exact release date for October but is likely to be released well before then, as soon as next month.
“He is yet another high profile killer who will be released this year. David Lawler was released in January and the pair often accompanied each other on day courses outside of the prison.
“The temporary release has helped Herron get ready for life on the outside as it has no doubt changed a lot since he was first imprisoned.”
Herron of Lattin, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Mr Justice Paul Carney in 2003.
During the court case, Superintendent Tom Long told Eamonn Leahy SC, for the DPP, how Sr Lyons planned to get a bus to Dublin the day she was killed.
She had two small suitcases and a bag and was last seen at the bus stop by an employee of the convent.
Her colleagues became concerned for her safety when it was learned her baggage was left unattended on the roadside and she did not arrive in Blackrock, Co Dublin, later that day.
Gardai were alerted and her remains were found at 5.05pm close to a hedge in the convent grounds.
State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy concluded she had been strangled with her scarf, which was still tied tightly around her neck and had been sexually assaulted.
After discovering her body, gardai seized security footage in the area and became aware Herron had gone to a local shop twice that day.
He answered questions put to him at a garda checkpoint and later volunteered to give a fingerprint sample.
Gardai noticed discrepancies with his story and a finger mark which had been discovered on Sr Lyons spectacles was similar to Herron’s.
Herron admitted in his first Garda statements he had sexually assaulted her after he strangled her.
A source said Herron is keeping where he will go upon release close to his chest.
They added: “Herron hasn’t been talking to anyone about what he plans to do. Lawler was photographed in west Dublin after his release in January, Herron probably wants to avoid getting spotted once freed.”