Vigil to be held in Kilkenny for Brianna Ghey after fatal stabbing

Vigils are set to be take place in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland in memory of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey, who was fatally stabbed in a park.

The teenager, from Cheshire in the UK, was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Linear Park, Culcheth, at around 3.13pm on Saturday.

A boy and a girl, both aged 15, have been arrested on suspicion of her murder and remain in custody, Cheshire Police said.

The victim, who had a large following on social media site TikTok, was a transgender girl but police said there is no evidence to suggest her death was a hate crime.

In the coming days, vigils organised by members of the transgender community are due to be held in cities across Ireland including here in Kilkenny (see tweet below).

List of Irish vigils for Brianna Ghey:

Dublin: TODAY, 6pm, the Spire
Belfast: TODAY, 6pm, City Hall
Derry: TODAY, 6pm, Guildhall
Kilkenny: TOMORROW, 7pm, Town Hall

If there are any we missed please send them on! ❤️️‍⚧️

— Trans & Intersex Pride Dublin ️‍⚧️️‍ (@DubTrans) February 15, 2023

The Kilkenny vigil is due to happen tomorrow, February 16, at 7pm at Town Hall.

It is being organised by Translife Kilkenny.

In a tribute issued after Brianna’s death on behalf of her family, they said the teenager was a “much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister”.

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The statement continued: “She was a larger-than-life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her. Brianna was beautiful, witty and hilarious. Brianna was strong, fearless and one of a kind.

“The loss of her young life has left a massive hole in our family, and we know that the teachers and her friends who were involved in her life will feel the same.”