Everyone talks about Ashling Murphy’s smile and her vivacity. Every account tells of a remarkable young woman – an accomplished musician, energetic sportswoman, loving sister and daughter, an inspiring teacher.
Ashling Murphy, 23, was killed on Wednesday afternoon along the banks of the Grand Cana in Tullamore, County Offaly.
Officers earlier said they believe the killer acted alone and attacked the talented musician while she was jogging along the canal bank at Cappincur, known as Fiona’s Way, at around 4pm on Wednesday.
He fled after two women came across the attack and gardaí were quickly on the scene after a call from a member of the public.
Ms Murphy was still alive and they tried to give medical attention but she could not be saved.
Police investigating the murder have said ‘no stone will be left unturned’ in bringing her killer to justice.
According to the Independent.ie, Ms Murphy came from a highly respected family in the local area that is well known in the music scene, and live outside Tullamore.
“This area here, where the crime occurred, is popular among Tullamore residents and is widely used for recreational purposes,” Superintendent Eamonn Curley told reporters on Thursday.
“The victim of this crime is Ashling Murphy.”
“Ashling was a schoolteacher in Durrow National School. Our prayers are with Ashling’s family at this time and indeed the wider community, her teaching colleagues and the children she taught who are without their teacher today.”
“Immediately following the discovery of this crime, a full-scale murder investigation was launched.”
Justice Minister Helen McEntee tweeted: “My thoughts tonight are with the family of the young woman killed in a truly shocking crime, with her friends and with her community.”
“Please, anyone with information, come forward to An Garda Siochana. The Gardai will investigate this awful crime and ensure justice is done.”
Furthermore, Education Minister Simon Harris said: “A young woman, simply out for a run in the afternoon and brutally killed.”
“Thinking of her and her family and community tonight and their unimaginable pain. We must all act to end violence against women. We all have a responsibility.”
Minister of State Josepha Madigan for Special Education and Inclusion said: “A young woman can’t even go for a run along a canal pathway – at four o’clock, in the middle of the day – only to be attacked and murdered.”
“Sincere sympathies to her family. We need to urgently address why we live in a country where this can happen.”
