Vigils are taking place around the world today and over the weekend in memory of Ashling Murphy.
So moving to hear this O’Carolan tune here at @NWCI #VigilforAshling with @DublinRCC colleagues. This gathering is a real expression of sadness & solidarity & yearning for change 💜 @Noeline_B @AnTaobhRua @sbcurly pic.twitter.com/QNzvmdcy12
— Yvonne Woods (@woodsova) January 14, 2022
Ashling Murphy died after being attacked along the canal in Tullamore at around 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon.
Durrow N.S is utterly devastated by the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Ms. Ashling Murphy. Ashling was a very professional and talented young teacher. We are deeply saddened by her tragic loss. Our thoughts are also with her beloved family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/7eNEs28h4R
— Scoil Cholmcille (@DurrowNS) January 14, 2022
The man being questioned over the murder was released yesterday without charge and is no longer a suspect.
Gardai have appealed for anyone with information to contact them as they continue their search.
Gardaí investigating the fatal assault on a woman yesterday in Tullamore are appealing for info on a Falcon Storm mountain bike with straight handlebars & distinctive yellow/green front forks. Please call Tullamore GS (057 932 7600) or the Garda Confidential Line (1800 666 111). pic.twitter.com/XUDhQvuDgU
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) January 13, 2022
The Taoiseach has moved to reassure the community of Tullamore in Co. Offaly that every effort is being made to apprehend Ashling Murphy’s killer.
While Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said more needs to be done to tackle the issue of gender-based violence.
South East Vigils
Vigils are taking place this evening and right across the weekend in all five counties of the South East in memory of the young school teacher.
People are being asked to wear masks and adhere to social distancing while attending.
Lidl says it's closing both of its stores in Tullamore from 4pm until 5pm this evening.
The retailer says it's out of respect for Ashling Murphy, her family and the vigil planned in the town, and has thanked customers for understanding.
While Durrow National School in Tullamore is hosting a vigil this evening in memory of their teacher, who they described as their "shining light."
The gathering will be held in front of the school at 6pm.
Speaking to Beat News, organiser of a vigil in Waterford, Michelle Haberlin says change around gender based violence needs to happen, but today is about remembrance:
Wexford TD Verona Murphy has organised a vigil in New Ross for 7pm tonight.
Speaking to Beat News, she says it shouldn't take a tragedy for people to realise there's an issue with violence against women:
Below is a full list of vigils happening in the region.
Waterford
- Ardmore - Friday 4pm Storm Wall, Old Church Car Park
- Cappoquin - Friday 5pm, Village Square
- Waterford City - Friday 6pm - Peoples Park
- Ballymacarbry - Friday 6pm, Community Centre Car Park
- Lismore - Friday 6pm, Millennium Park
- Tallow - Friday 6pm, Hyde Park
- Dungarvan & Abbeyside - Friday 6:15pm - Walton Park
- Portlaw - Friday 8pm, Town Square
- Waterford - Saturday 4pm - Greenway Carriganore
- Tramore - Saturday 4pm - The Doneraile
People gather for Ashling Murphy in #Waterford at People’s Park #VigilforAshling pic.twitter.com/qfEOa3tNrv
— Beat 102 103 (@beat102103) January 14, 2022
Carlow
- Carlow Town - Friday 6pm - The Fountain
- Bagenasltown - Friday 6pm - Fair Green
The gathered crowd sings ‘Amazing Grace’ following prayers & a minutes’ silence #VigilforAshling pic.twitter.com/qXPUb4tq5m
— Beat 102 103 (@beat102103) January 14, 2022
Kilkenny
- Kilkenny City - Sunday 2pm - Kilkenny Castle
- Kilkenny - Friday 4pm - Castle Yard
- Piltown - Friday 4pm - River Park
Wexford
- Wexford Town - Friday 4pm - The Quay
- New Ross - Friday 7pm - The Dunbrody Emigrant Flame
- Gorey - Friday 6:30pm - Main Street
- Bunclody - Friday 4pm - The Mall
- Kilmuckridge - Friday 7pm
- Rosslare - Friday 3pm - Rosslare Strand
- Ballygarrett, Gorey - Friday 7pm - Ballygarrett GAA Complex
A minutes’ silence being held for Ashling Murphy on the quay in #Wexford this afternoon #VigilforAshling pic.twitter.com/GO6BJRchdt
— Beat 102 103 (@beat102103) January 14, 2022
Tipperary
- Cashel - Friday 4pm - Cashel Plaza
- Clonmel - Friday 6pm - The Main Guard
- Cahir - Friday 6pm - Cahir Castle Car Park
- Nenagh - Friday 4:30pm - Banba Sq.
- Thurles - Friday 6:15pm - Town Park
- Templemore - Friday 6:15pm - Town Park
- Borrisoleigh - Friday 7:30pm - Sports Complex
- Roscrea - Sunday 6pm - Rosemary Square
- Carrick on Suir - Friday 5pm - The Blueway
- Canon Hayes - Friday 7:30pm - The Running Track.
If there is a vigil that is not accounted for, email [email protected]
President Statement
Meanwhile, by President Michael D. Higgins has expressed his sympathies with the family of Ashling Murphy.
“People throughout Ireland, in every generation, have been expressing their shock, grief, anger and upset at the horrific murder of Ashling Murphy.
This morning I spoke to Ashling’s family to convey, as President on behalf of the people of Ireland, and on behalf of Sabina and myself as parents, my profound sympathy and sorrow and sense of loss that her tragic death has meant to so many, but what in particular it must mean to her mother Kathleen, father Raymond, sister Amy and brother Cathal.
I sought to convey a sense of how so many parents, families, indeed all of the people of Ireland are thinking of the Murphy family at this very sad time. The loss of Ashling is a loss to all of us, but to her family it is beyond description.
The outpouring of grief at the death of Ashling shows how we have all been very touched, and it is so exemplary for young and old, to read of all Ashling’s accomplishments during her short but brilliant and generous life.
Those who knew, studied with her, or as we have heard, loved her as a young gifted teacher, all have borne witness to a life of generous commitment to her local community and to her creativity. As a young, talented and enthusiastic teacher she had already made such a positive impact on her young students and colleagues at school. To hear them speak of her is such a testament to the joy of sharing, be it in teaching, music or sport, that she conveyed in a way which must have brought much joy to all. She represented the best of her generation, in a life they will recall as inspirational.
It is of crucial importance that we take this opportunity, as so many people have already done in the short time since Ashling’s death, to reflect on what needs to be done to eliminate violence against women in all its aspects from our society, and how that work can neither be postponed nor begin too early.
May I suggest to all our people to reflect on all of our actions and attitudes – and indeed those we may have been leaving unchallenged amongst those whom we know – and do all we can to ensure that the society we live in is one where all of our citizens are free to live their lives, participate fully, in an atmosphere that is unencumbered by risks for their safety. Let us respond to this moment of Ashling’s death by committing to the creation of a kinder, more compassionate and empathetic society for all, one that will seek to eliminate all threats of violence against any of our citizens, and commit in particular to bringing an end, at home and abroad, to violence against women in any of its forms.
Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam uasal dílis, Ashling.”
