A walk held each year in memory of teacher and musician Ashling Murphy who was murdered as she went for a run by the canal, has heard that a memorial fund set up in her honour has spent more than €150,000 on causes close to her heart.
Her family and loved ones were met with an outpouring of support over the past two days as they took part in events to remember Ashling – and Ryan Casey, Ashling’s boyfriend, posted a tribute saying: “you made me the man that I am today and you will always be my moral compass”.
Ashling’s parents Kathleen and Raymond, her brother Cathal and sister Amy led hundreds in remembering the beloved teacher who was just 23 when she was killed.
The Memorial Fund remembers Ashling’s life by sponsoring young people’s involvement in music, sports and the Irish language along with other initiatives. The fund sponsors Gaeltacht scholarships to help TY and fifth-year students take up places at Coláiste Chamuis in Galway, which Ashling attended as a school student.
A special anniversary Mass for Ashling took place on Sunday morning in St.Brigid’s Church in Mountbolus – and yesterday’s commemorative walk traces Ashling’s final moments each year, ending at a memorial shrine which locals have erected to mark the spot where the popular teacher was murdered in January 12th 2022.
Organisers said that the annual event is an opportunity to celebrate Ashling’s life and the lasting impact she had on so many people.
Prayers were offered at the memorial shrine and traditional music was played to honour the acclaimed musician who was a member of Ballyboy Comhaltas branch in Co Offaly.
James Hogan, chairperson of the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, said: “Ashling was involved in sport, music, an teanga Gaeilge, school and was just a real community person.
“We’re delighted to be able to keep that going. Young people are going to flourish from her memory,” he said.
He told the large crowd: “she is deeply, deeply missed every day. It’s wrong and it’s not fair, but we have to move forward together.”
“Ashling may not be with us in person, but she’s with us in spirit. And we’ve all our own little ways of remembering her, be it a robin or a rainbow or whatever natural item which appears,” he said.
Scoil Colmchille in Durrow, where Ashling taught, said that she would never be forgotten and that she was deeply missed by her pupils and colleagues.
“Today, we remember the tragic loss of our Dear Ms. Ashling Murphy on her 4th anniversary. It is still exceptionally hard to believe, to accept & to grieve her absence. We miss her infectious smile, magical voice, musical talents, excellent teaching skills & overall friendship,” the school posted yesterday.
Sacred Heart School Tullamore, where Ashling had attended posted that yesterday “our students walked together in remembrance, retracing the final steps of Ashling Murphy along the Grand Canal on the fourth anniversary of her passing.”
“We paused at her memorial shrine to light a candle in her honour, reflecting quietly on her life and legacy. Thoughtful words were shared by Mr. McFadden and our Student Council President, Avrit, reminding us of the phenomenal impact Ashling had here at Sacred Heart during the six years she attended our school. We remember Ashling with compassion and respect, and we walk in solidarity, ensuring her memory continues to be honoured,” the school said.
Slovakian Jozef Puska (33) was sentenced to life in prison in November 2023 after being found guilty of Ashling Murphy’s murder.