"We will make this happen - we will end male violence against women."
Hundreds gathered outside Dáil Éireann on Friday evening to pay tribute to
murdered school teacher Ashling Murphy.
Members of the National Women's Council, Women's Aid, and friends of Ashling's were among those who addressed the crowd, as musicians played songs that she would have played with her trad group.
Ashling's close friend, Grace Corrigan, described her as the "nicest, kindest, most caring person you will ever meet in your entire life".
https://www.instagram.com/p/CYt4zm6MTr7/
"She was just so happy all the time, she would lift you up. She was the type of person that when she asked you 'how are you' - she genuinely cared for the answer and she'd repeat it back to you six months later. Just a caring, caring person.
"This shouldn't have happened to her. Ashling, we absolutely love you and we will never ever forget you."
Orla O'Connor, director of NWCI, described Ashling's death as a "watershed moment to end violence against women".
"These crimes and the impact of what happens affects everyone," she told the crowd. "We will make this happen - we will end male violence against women."
Margaret Martin, former Director of Women's Aid, added: "Enough is enough... we are exhausted. This sense of entitlement to women's bodies by men needs to stop."
Taoiseach Michael Martin was also in attendance at the vigil, who yesterday said that a societal attitude change and men and boys need to have "the basic principle of value and respect” for women.
Ashling was killed in Tullamore while jogging on Wednesday 12 January at 4 pm. A man in his 40s was held in Garda custody and questioned for 24 hours, before being released on Thursday and
deemed no longer a suspect.
Gardaí have now
identified another "person of interest". They have said that they are making "significant progress" with their investigation.
Several other vigils took place across the country on Friday, including Limerick, Belfast, Carlow and Ashling's home town of Tullamore. On Thursday night, several hundred people attended a vigil in Eyre Square in Galway.
There will be more vigils
taking place over the weekend.
Gardai are continuing to appeal for anyone with information that could help in their investigation to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
