Ashling family ‘overwhelmed’ by fund support
Murphy family ‘grateful for generosity’ in memorial fund
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THE family of murdered teacher Ashling Murphy have thanked the public for their “outpouring of support” as they marked the first anniversary of a memorial fund set up in her name.
In a post on the Ashling Murphy Memorial page, her family said the anniversary “fittingly lands on Nollaig na mban”.
They said they were “overwhelmed” by the response to the fund with donations being made by those who knew Ashling and from members of the public who had only become aware of her since her death.
The post said: “Within a year, almost 30 fundraisers were undertaken in memory of Ashling and in aid of the memorial fund established to continue her strong, exemplary legacy.
GRATEFUL
“From marathons to parachute jumps, from organised community walks/races to climbing 23 of Ireland’s highest peaks, from Tractor Runs to Table Quiz nights, from music sessions to raffles and everything in between.
“No matter how big or small the fundraiser, we are eternally grateful for the generous support of those continuing to hold Ashling and her memory close to them.
“With your kind support, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund can utilise donations and proceeds from fundraisers to achieve the objectives of the memorial fund. “These objectives, compiled along with the Murphy family, are deemed close to Ashling’s heart and represent the many interests she had in her 23 years.”
The family say that the overall aim of the charity is to support the development of the traditional Irish Arts, Culture and Heritage for young people.
They stated: “This year, we look forward to continuing our support to those undertaking fundraisers and providing funds to individuals, groups and organisations that align with Ashling’s lasting legacy.”
A second anniversary mass for Ashling will take place on Thursday at 7pm in St Brigid’s Church, Mountbolus, Co Offaly.
Ashling was stabbed 11 times by Jozef Puska, 33, who has been given a mandatory life sentence for the murder which occurred at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly, on January 12, 2022.
Ms Murphy, who was out for a run when she was attacked, died of cardiac arrest and loss of blood.
Puska was jailed in November last year. He had pleaded not guilty to murder.
A jury of nine men and three women reached a unanimous guilty verdict following a trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.
Earlier this week, Ashling’s family issued a statement thanking the public for their support during what they described as a “very difficult year”.
Almost 30 fundraisers have been undertaken in memory of Aisling