Ashling Murphy remembered on the third anniversary of her murder with Memorial Walk

Sunday, 12 January marks the third anniversary of Ashling Murphy's murder in Tullamore, County Offaly.

A memorial mass and walk will be held in Tullamore on Sunday to commemorate Ashling's death which shocked the nation. 

The 23-year-old teacher was jogging along the Grand Canal in Offaly after finishing work at Durrow National School when she was fatally stabbed on the afternoon of 12 January, 2022.

Jozef Puska, now aged 34, was charged with her murder and sentenced to life in prison in November 2023 following his trial at the Central Criminal Court.

To remember Ashling on the third anniversary of her death, a mass in Mountbolus will be held as well as a walk on the banks of the Grand Canal between Tullamore and Cappincur.

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A post on the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund Facebook page said: "We wish to invite you to join us in remembering and celebrating Ashling’s life at her 3rd anniversary mass which will take place on Sunday, 12th January, at 10am in St. Brigid’s Church, Mountbolus.

"A commemorative walk will take place on Sunday afternoon to Ashling’s Memorial Shrine on the Grand Canal, Tullamore. Meeting at Digby Bridge Carpark, [Cappincur] at 3pm. Anyone walking along the canal from the Tullamore side may meet at the memorial shrine at 3.15pm."

People planning to participate in the walk are advised that it is about 25-20 minutes if one begins at the Fiona Pender memorial.

"Please join us as we remember our beloved Ashling on her 3rd anniversary," the post added.

It is two years since the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund was founded to support the development of traditional Irish arts, culture and heritage for young people.

The fund establishment date of January 6 "fittingly lands on Nollaig na mBan", a post on its page said.

"Since the launch of the charity, on the 6th of January 2023, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and the desire of so many to remember Ashling, regardless of whether they personally knew Ashling or not," the post said.

"We thank the many individuals and groups who have undertaken fundraisers in Ashling’s memory and in aid of the memorial fund established to continue her strong, exemplary legacy. No matter how big or small the fundraiser, we are forever grateful for the generous support of those continuing to hold Ashling and her memory close to them.

"With your kind support, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund can utilise donations and proceeds from fundraisers to achieve the objectives of the memorial fund. These objectives, compiled along with the Murphy family, are deemed close to Ashling’s heart and represent the many interests she had in her 23 years."

Last month the fund revealed it had been selected as an AIB Community Partner for 2024, receiving €3,500.

"We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to AIB for this wonderful annual initiative, which supports local community charities across the country. We are especially grateful to the management and staff of AIB Tullamore for selecting us as their Employee-Nominated Charity of the Year. This support plays a crucial role in helping us continue Ashling’s legacy."

Ashling Murphy was a graduate of Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in Limerick and the college since established an entrance scholarship in her memory.

Also, last month MIC and the INTO (Irish National Teachers' Organisation) announced the scholarship recipient for 2024, talented concertina player and aspiring teacher Rachel Mahony from Ennis, County Clare.

Congratulating the recipient, INTO president Carmel Browne said: "By awarding this scholarship, we not only keep Ashling’s memory alive, but we also inspire future educators who share her passion for music and community."

Professor Dermot Nestor, President of MIC, said: "It is fitting that we honour Ashling’s memory by awarding a scholarship, in partnership with the INTO, to a fellow talented musician who is embarking on their B Ed (primary teaching) programme here with us at MIC. Rachel is such a musician and a worthy recipient, and I wish her all the very best with her studies over the next four years."