Mountbolus Mass to mark first anniversary of Ashling Murphy

The Murphy family from Blueball will mark the first anniversary of the tragic death of their youngest daughter, Ashling, with a special Mass in St. Brigid's Parish Church in Mountbolus this Thursday evening, January 12, at 7pm.

The 23-year old primary schoolteacher and gifted musician was killed on the afternoon of January 12 last year while out jogging along the banks of the Grand Canal at Cappincur, Tullamore after finishing work at nearby Durrow National School. Her killing in broad daylight shocked the nation and made headlines across the world.

To mark the first anniversary of her tragic death and to honour her strong legacy as an outstanding musician, sportsperson and educator and her contribution to Irish culture and heritage, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund was launched on January 6, Nollag na mBán.

The Fund, which has been set up by the Murphy family and the Ashling Murphy Memorial fund committee in November 2022, has stated that its main objective is "the further enhancement, development and the advancements of The Traditional Irish Arts, Culture and Heritage for young people" and that all donations and proceeds from fundraisers will be utilised to achieve objectives which are “deemed close to Ashling’s heart and represent the many interests she had in her 23 years”.

An official online fundraising page has been established for the Fund: https://www.idonate.ie/cause/ashlingmurphymemorialfund and features a touching video encompassing the many talents of Ashling Murphy as a gifted musician, a camogie player and also includes a collage of photographs from her childhood.

In a statement issued to coincide with the launch of the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, the memorial committee appealed for continued privacy and respect for the Murphy family, Ashling’s partner Ryan, Durrow NS and all other individuals, groups and organisations that Ashling had a special connection with, as they continue to grieve her tragic loss and remember a very special young lady on her first anniversary.