BY SHANE POWER
STUNNED SILENCE Vigil to Ashling in Sandymount, Dublin
RUNNERS across Ireland paused in memory of 23-year-old Ashling Murphy on Saturday, with further vigils organised following the murder of the Co Offaly teacher.
Park Run runners held moments of silence during their routine Saturday morning trek in honour of the 23-year-old and in an outpouring of sympathy for her family.
Hundreds of people also gathered in Cork yesterday morning for a vigil, with another large-scale event taking place in London yesterday afternoon.
Earlier large crowds had come together at Sandymount in South Dublin and in Smithfield in the city centre in a show of solidarity.
It follows huge vigils attended by thousands on Friday in Tullamore, Dublin and Belfast as the nation reels from the brutal murder.
Former Miss Ireland, Holly Carpenter, who organised a sunrise vigil in Sandymount, said: “At a loss for words to describe the atmosphere this morning at one of the many vigils held for Ashling Murphy. “Thinking of Ashling’s family, friends, colleagues, students and the people of Tullamore who are grieving this devastating loss. “Ashling had her whole future ahead of her. We deserve to be safe, to feel safe enough to go for a run or walk home without looking over our shoulders “I would like to say that the feeling of togetherness, solidarity and support really helped me today as like a lot of people the weight of this loss has been a heavy load to carry this week and will be for some time. “I know so many feel shaken, upset, frightened and angry. Ashling will forever be in my thoughts as will her loved ones.” More vigils are planned across the country tomorrow.