Poignant anniversary memorial walk honours Ashling Murphy's legacy

Over €150,000 has been given out by the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund to support causes which were close to the heart of the murdered 23-year old Offaly primary school teacher, whose fourth anniverary was marked by a poignant memorial walk last Monday afternoon.

Speaking on behalf of the Murphy family and the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, James Hogan, Principal of Durrow National School, told the hundreds of people who gathered at Ashling's Memorial Shrine on the banks of the Grand Canal that the fund was established after her murder “to keep her name and her legacy alive.”

He also thanked all of those both locally, nationally and internationally, who had supported the fund and the Murphy family since the shocking events of January 12, 2022.

Mr Hogan outlined just some of the ways in which donations to the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund have been used, from supporting sporting clubs to schools, to Comhaltas branches and music scholarships established in her name.

Referring to the many interests the 23-year old teacher had, including traditional music; sport and the teanga Gaeilge, Mr Hogan said she was “a real community person” and added that the memorial fund was delighted to be in a position to continue to foster and support these interests as a means of honouring her lasting legacy.

Among the huge crowds who walked in both directions to Ashling Murphy's Memorial Shrine at the spot where she was murdered as she was out for a walk along the banks of the Grand Canal on January 12, 2022, were large crowds of students from the Sacred Heart School, where she completed her secondary education.

Deputy Principal Sean McFadden paid a deeply moving tribute to the school's former student, describing her as “a most gifted primary school teacher” who had “generously shared” her gifts and talents for music and sport with her fellow students while in the Sacred Heart School, leaving “a wonderful legacy and memory” with us.

“Ashling's shining light was seen in her gentle confidence and presence, her beautiful personality her kindness and her compassion, and she will never be forgotten by us in the Sacred Heart School,” he said.

A candle was also lit on behalf of the school body, and placed at the memorial shrine, as students quietly reflected on the life and legacy of their former student, while the Student Council president said Ashling Murphy was a “special and cherished person” who had “embodied the many talents and gifts” of the Sacred Heart School.

In a poignant video, shared on its Facebook page, the Sacred Heart School said its students had “walked together in remembrance” on Monday afternoon retracing the final steps of Ashling Murphy along the Grand Canal while reflecting on her life and legacy.

“We remember Ashling with compassion and respect, and we walk in solidarity, ensuring her memory continues to be honoured,” said the school.