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14th Jan 2022

5k walk in aid of Women’s Aid to take place in honour of Ashling Murphy

Sarah McKenna Barry

Ashling was killed in Tullamore earlier this week.

A 5k walk or run fundraiser will take place next weekend to raise funds for Women’s Aid and to pay tribute to Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old woman who was murdered earlier this week.

A GoFundMe has been set up by the event which is organised by Eilish Noonan.

Participants are invited to walk or run 5km virtually in honour of Ashling on Sunday 23 January at 4pm.

The money raised by the event will go towards Women’s Aid, a leading national frontline organisation supporting women and children subjected to domestic violence including coercive control in Ireland.

The event page reads: “We are gathering (virtually) next Sunday 23rd January at 4pm to run or walk 5k in memory of Ashling Murphy, who lost her life in an act of senseless violence on the 12th of January.”

More information on the event can be found right here.

Since her death was announced earlier this week, tributes have been pouring in for Ashling.

The young woman taught first class at Durrow National School where principal James Hogan described her as “an inspiration to so many”.

Mr Hogan said: “Ashling was a shining light to the kids and a very professional, talented young teacher, a lady who had extraordinary sports, musical and choral talents.

“She was an inspiration to so many, not only in our school, but across the wider community of schools and other organisations in the area that she was involved with.”

Her parents, Kathleen and Raymond Murphy, paid tribute to their daughter through The Independent.

Her father said: “She was just a special girl. She’s the youngest, a little angel.

“She was a brilliant girl in every sense of the word.”

Gardaí are continuing their investigation into Ashling Murphy’s death. Last night, they confirmed a 40-year-old man in custody was “no longer a suspect”.

Anyone with information should contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600. Witnesses can also contact Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, support is available. Women’s Aid’s 24hr National Freephone Helpline can be reached on 1800 341 900. Other resources can be found on their website right here.