Hundreds to mark the anniversary of Ashling’s killing
HUNDREDS of people are expected to gather in Tullamore today to mark the first anniversary of the killing of Ashling Murphy.
The 23-year-old primary school teacher was killed while jogging along the bank of the Grand Canal in the Co. Offaly town on January 12 last year.
The young woman’s family and friends will be among those attending St Brigid’s Church in Mountbolus, just outside Tullamore, at 7pm today.
Her colleagues at Durrow National School, along with people involved in local music groups, will also be at the Mass. Prior to the Mass, a vigil will take place at 5pm today in
Kilkenny for Ashling and other women who have been killed across the country.
The event, organised by Amber Women’s Refuge, is expected to draw large crowds at Castle Yard.
On the first anniversary of her death ‘we will host a short vigil to honour the memory of Ashling Murphy and the other women who have died by violence in the last year in Ireland,’ the refuge stated. ‘All are welcome to come show their solidarity with the victims and their families. Bring a candle.’
In response, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund extended its gratitude to the women’s refuge charity.
‘Thank you for remembering Ashling,’ it said. ‘The Murphy family and committee are very grateful to you for holding this event in memory of Ashling as well as the many other women who died by violence the past year in Ireland.’
The fund was launched earlier this week ‘to fulfil the strong legacy left by Ashling, even in her short life’.
Its objective is for the development of traditional
Irish culture for young people.
Ashling’s family paid tribute to their neighbours and friends for their efforts and support following her tragic death.
‘The endless support received from many individuals, groups and organisations that Ashling was strongly a part of during her short 23 years was truly amazing,’ they said in a statement earlier this week.
‘As the first anniversary approaches, the family and partner of the late Ashling Murphy would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who sympathised with them, sent Mass cards, flowers, bouquets and offered their condolences in many ways on the sad loss of their beloved Ashling.
‘The Murphy family would like to express their deep gratitude to their loving neighbours and friends, where words cannot describe the immeasurable efforts and supports received immediately during the days that followed and the ongoing support offered to them since Ashling’s tragic loss.’
The family paid tribute to musicians who travelled to play music at their home, at the church, at the graveside and for her month’s mind.
They thanked local schools along with Mary Immaculate College Limerick, which Ms Murphy attended, as well as Ballyboy Comhaltas and all the Comhaltas branches in Offaly for their representation at Ashling’s funeral Mass. In a later statement, the tragic teacher’s family appealed for privacy.
‘The Murphy family are continuing to grieve the heavy loss of Ashling every day and as such have decided not to engage in any interviews with the media until the criminal trial has concluded,’ they said.
Ashling’s death sparked a wave of grief, with people gathering in their tens of thousands after the incident to honour her memory.
Jozef Puska, 31, with an address at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co. Offaly, was charged with her murder.
His trial is set to begin at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin on June 3.
‘Show solidarity with victims’