Commemorative walk in Tullamore today to honour legacy of Ashling Murphy

A poignant commemorative walk is due to get underway at 3pm today (Monday) along the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore to remember and celebrate the life of 23-year old Offaly primary teacher, Ashling Murphy.

The walk will take place on the 4th anniversary of the death of the much-loved primary school teacher, traditional musician and camogie player who was murdered while she was out walking on the Grand Canal towpath on the afternoon of January 12, 2022. The shocking murder of the young Offaly woman in broad daylight prompted widespread public grief and national outrage over violence against women.

Today's walk will begin at Digby Bridge Carpark in Cappincur at 3pm and will lead participants along the Grand Canal towpath to Ashling's Memorial Shrine. Participants who wish to join the walk from the Tullamore side of the Grand Canal can meet at the Fiona Pender Monument and walk in the direction of Digby Bridge in Cappincur until they meet Ashling's Memorial Shrine. The walk from the Tullamore direction will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

The organisers of the walk have stressed that it is open to all who wish to remember Ashling Murphy, reflect on her life and show their support to her family and many friends on what is a very poignant day. The scenic route along the banks of the Grand Canal is also an opportunity for the local community to come together and honour the lasting impact of the short life of the young primary teacher who was involved in all aspects of life in her community.

This afternoon's walk follows on from a special anniversary Mass which was celebrated in the late Ashling Murphy's home parish yesterday morning (Sunday), at St. Brigid's Church in Mountbolus, to mark the 4th anniversary of her passing.

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund was set up in January 2023 to honor the legacy of the young Offaly teacher in fulfilling her passions as a musician, teacher, and sportswoman. The fund supports traditional Irish arts, culture, heritage, and sports for young people, and provides tuition, facilities, and equipment to foster this culture and keeping her spirit alive through community support and events.

A poignant post on the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund Facebook page today reads: “Today we remember our beloved Ashling, on her 4th anniversary, who is so dearly missed each and every day, especially by her heartbroken family and wide circle of friends. Another year has passed without you, but you remain forever close in our hearts.”

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.