Offaly remembers Ashling Murphy as memorial fund is established

The Murphy family from Blueball marked the first anniversary of the tragic death of their youngest daughter, Ashling, with a special anniversary Mass in St Brigid's Parish Church in Mountbolus last evening (Thursday).

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.

And in a post on the fund’s social media this week, Ashling’s loving partner Ryan paid a special tribute to her. "No matter how fast time may pass, there isn't a single second that goes by where my heart doesn't ache for you," he wrote.

"Everything I have done and everything that I do is completely for you. I love and miss you so much Ash. Forever my soulmate."

The fundraising page itself described Ashling as “a beautiful, caring, loving, compassionate and warm-hearted person”.

She was “an amazing daughter to Ray and Kathleen, a wonderful sister to Amy and Cathal, a loving partner to Ryan, and a kind, caring young woman to her extended family, pupils, colleagues and wide circle of friends.”

Stating that she was breathtakingly talented – “an exceptional musician, talented sportsperson and an inspirational teacher”, it said she determined to succeed at whatever she turned her hand to, whether that be music or sports.

The fund, which was 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

The fund website features a touching and poignant 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.

Those who would like to fundraise in memory of Ashling Murphy must seek permission to use the official Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund name and logo and obtain an approval number.

An online application form is available for this purpose on the memorial fund’s idonate page. The executive committee aims to respond to the application within seven days of receipt.

Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund is also on Facebook and Instagram platforms.

Those who have queries or require assistance with the application process are asked to email ashlingmurphymemorialfund@gmail.com Alternatively, phone (083) 3979471