Anger and sadness was expressed at a candle-lit vigil outside the US embassy last night in support of Louise Woodward. "The people in that court cannot ignore this level of international outrage," said Ms Leanne Rooney, spokeswoman for the new Louise Woodward for Justice support group.
Over 150 people, mainly women and young girls, gathered outside the embassy with placards reading: "Louise Woodward is innocent".
Mr Michael Doherty, another member of the support group, said he had been shocked at the verdict. Woodward was "in the wrong place at the wrong time".
Also at the vigil was Ms HardyNayar, who said the parents of Matthew Eappen were "negligent in some respects".
Some heated exchanges took place between the people gathered and some passersby who claimed they were from the US. "Why are you standing here in support of a woman who has killed a child?" asked one man.
"The sight of a young girl, who has done nothing wrong, being sent to jail just made me cry bitterly," said Ms Rooney, who has been an au pair herself.
Those gathered called on Judge Hiller Zobel to acquit Woodward when the trial resumes tomorrow.
"If that man has any humanity he will let her go, but none of us know what is going to happen," said Mr Doherty.
The group is accepting letters in support of the au pair, which will be forwarded to her family. Money, to be used for the flights and accommodation of the au pair's parents, is also being accepted.
Meanwhile, the National Children's Nurseries Association (NCNA) has said the case highlights the need to regulate the child-care sector in the Republic.
Its chairwoman said the Government needed to provide better funding so that child-care facilities could be inspected properly.