Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Robert Hynes

GAA club's emotional tribute to Ashling Murphy at primary school teacher's funeral

Ashling Murphy's local GAA club were part of a guard of honour as the primary school teacher's funeral took place on Tuesday.

Players and members from the Kilcormac/Killoughey camogie club were among the huge crowd that gathered in the village of Mountbolus ahead of the service.

Children whom she taught at Durrow National School also formed part of the large guard of honour close to St Brigid's Church in the Co Offaly village.

Offaly GAA paid tribute to the 23-year-old following her death.

They tweeted: “It is difficult to put into words the feeling throughout the county regarding the tragic events of Aishling Murphy.

“Ashling was a member of the Senior and Junior teams of Kilcormac/Killoughey Camogie Club and we keep them in our thoughts today.

Members of Ashling Murphy's camogie team at the funeral (Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin)

“We also are thinking of Aishling’s family and friends, her pupils and colleagues in Durrow National School.

“Ar dheis de go raibh a hAnam dilis”.

The talented musician was murdered while out running on the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore last week.

Her death has sparked a debate around women’s safety, and prompted calls for more to be done to tackle domestic violence and gender-based violence.

Members from the Kilcormac Killoughey Camogie Club, of which Ashling Murphy was a member, outside St Brigid's Church (Damien Eagers/PA Wire)

Tens of thousands of people have also attended vigils in recent days to honour Ms Murphy.

Gardai investigating the death of Ms Murphy renewed an appeal for information, saying “significant progress” has been made in the murder probe.

Police released the description of a man they want to speak to in relation to the teacher’s murder.

Mourners walk beside the hearse carrying the coffin of Ashling Murphy as the cortege arrives for her funeral at St. Brigid’s Church (Getty)

Police have asked anyone who saw a man dressed in black tracksuit top with no hood, black tracksuit bottoms with a large white stripe or white writing on the side and black runners to come forward.

Officers have asked members of the public whether they saw this man walking in the Tullamore area, or if they gave the man a lift on the evening last Wednesday.

The public has also been asked if they noticed him loitering at any location or “involved in any activity which drew your attention”.

A large crowd of people fill the street ahead of Ashling Murphy's funeral (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Police said that “significant progress” is being made, but would not confirm any specific details.

It comes as they identified a new person of interest, who is believed to be in hospital in the Dublin region receiving treatment, and are waiting to speak to him.

As their investigation continues, gardai believe the development of DNA profiles will form an integral part of the search for Ms Murphy’s killer.

People line the street for the funeral of Ashling Murphy (Getty Images)

Police appealed to anyone who has not made contact with the investigation team and who has any information to come forward.

Gardai said in a statement: “We are now asking for any member of the public who was on the Grand Canal Way on the morning or afternoon of the January 12 between Digby’s bridge and Ballycommon to contact the investigation team.

“Whether you think you saw anything or not please contact gardai in Tullamore.

“We continue to appeal for any information on a Falcon Storm mountain bike with straight handlebars and distinctive yellow/green front forks prior to 4pm on Wednesday and in the previous days and weeks.

“We are now asking for people in Tullamore to think about last Wednesday after 4pm and not to confine their thoughts to the Falcon Storm mountain bike.”

Gardai said they are concerned about people sharing information on social media, particularly private messaging apps.

Gardai have appealed for people to stop sharing these messages.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.