solidarity | 

Hundreds gather in New York City for walk in memory of Ashling Murphy

Ashling (23) was murdered as she exercised on the banks of the Grand Canal at Cappincur outside Tullamore, Co Offaly on January 12, 2022.

Today at 20:55

Some 200 people gathered in New York City on Sunday to honour the memory of murdered schoolteacher Ashling Murphy two years after her death.

Ashling (23) was murdered as she exercised on the banks of the Grand Canal at Cappincur outside Tullamore, Co Offaly, on January 12, 2022.

Jozef Puska (33) was sentenced to life in prison in November after being found guilty of her murder.

A number of walks and charity events have been organised in Ireland and afar this month by the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund and external groups to mark the second anniversary of her death.

The Irish diaspora in New York continued their now annual walk in memory of Ashling yesterday afternoon, with participants meeting up at the Central Park Boat House before walking a 5km loop together in the chilly –4C air.

The group posed for photos together, holding up a jersey with Ashling’s camogie number, 23, that read: “Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís (it will never be the same again), Ashling Murphy”.

A suggested donation of $20 to the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund was recommended by organisers, with 100pc of proceeds going to the charity.

It was established in her name in January last year for the further enhancement, development and the advancements of traditional Irish arts, culture and heritage for young people.

This is achieved through the provisions of education, tuition, facilities and equipment, all framed by Ashling’s love of teaching, music, and sport.

Speaking at the event, organiser Amy Brett said: “It’s freezing which stands to say a lot. Ashling lost her life two years ago and I don’t think anyone doesn’t think of her when they’re out for a run.

“What we’re about to do is what she went out to do. It’s so great to see that she is honored in such a lovely way.

“Her family said to give their thanks and the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, where all the donations are going, expressed their thanks.”

Ashling’s life was celebrated at her second anniversary mass in St Brigid’s Church, Mountbolus earlier this month.

Durrow National School, where Ashling taught, also held a school mass, while a commemorative walk took place in her hometown of Tullamore, retracing her final steps along the canal where she tragically lost her life.