Local events to honour Ashling four years on

The local community is being invited to join together in remembering and celebrating the life of Ashling Murphy on the fourth anniversary of her death, which falls on Monday next, January 12.

Ashling's anniversary Mass is set to take place this Sunday, January 11, at 9.30am in St Brigid’s Church, Mountbolus.

In addition to the Mass, a commemorative walk will take place on Monday, January 12, in remembrance of Ashling. The walk will begin at Digby Bridge Carpark, Capincurr, at 3pm and will lead participants along the Grand Canal to Ashling’s Memorial Shrine in Tullamore.

Those wishing to join along the canal can meet directly at the memorial shrine at 3.15pm. For those starting from the Tullamore side, the walk is approximately 25 to 30 minutes, beginning at the Fiona Pender Monument and continuing towards Ashling's Memorial.

The events are open to all who wish to remember Ashling, reflect on her life, and show their support to her family and friends on this poignant day. The walk, which follows a scenic route along the canal, is not only a tribute to Ashling but also an opportunity for the community to come together and honor her lasting impact.

Everyone is encouraged to take part and pay tribute on this solemn occasion in a spirit of remembrance and togetherness.

Clubs around the country are also hosting their own events to remember Ashling. In Dungannon, Tyrone, members of fitness group Dúthracht held a 12 minute long candlelight vigil yesterday (Thursday) at the Eoghan Ruadh Hurling Club in her memory.

"Ashling was a primary school teacher, a runner, a camog, a traditional Irish musician, like so many in our clubs," a statement by Dúthracht read.

On January 12, 2022, the 23-year-old primary school teacher and camogie player was murdered while out walking on the Grand Canal towpath near Tullamore.

Ashling's death prompted widespread public grief and national outrage over violence against women.

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund was set up in January 2023 to honor her legacy by supporting traditional Irish arts, culture, heritage, and sports for young people, fulfilling her passions as a musician, teacher, and sportswoman.

The fund provides tuition, facilities, and equipment to foster this culture and keeping her spirit alive through community support and events.

"Ashling was a beautiful, caring, loving, compassionate and warm-hearted person. 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," the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund website reads.

"Ashling was an exceptional musician, talented sportsperson and an inspirational teacher to the many young people she encountered within her 23 years."

Jozef Puska was found guilty of the murder of Ashling Murphy by a jury on November 9, 2023, after a three-week trial in Dublin.

He received a mandatory life sentence on November 17, 2023.