Vigils taking place all across Meath to remember Ashling

Vigils are to take place all across the county today (Friday 14th) to remember young school teacher and musician Ashling Murphy who was brutally killed on Wednesday.

In Navan people are being asked to gather at Blackwater Park in Navan tomorrow (Friday) at 4pm to remember and honour the memory of the young woman who went for a run and was killed in an horrific attack in Tullamore.

Participants are asked to bring a candle if they can and babies in buggies and children on scooters are also welcome.

The event is organised by Aoife Bradley who runs a fitness studio in Mullaghboy, who was deeply upset by the young teacher's death.

"I couldn't get her little face out of my head all day, when I read about her horrific death. I go running down at the Ramparts three times a week. Since the pandemic, so may people are out walking and running. This was horrific.

"Someone wrote a poem on Instagram that I will read out and Karen Ball has donated a balloon which we will release.

"Like the whole country, my heart absolutely aches for what happened to Aisling in Tullamore at 4pm yesterday. Her life taken from her as she went for a run. "How often have we all done this and yes we should be able to be safe.

"Tomorrow we go around the track to show our deepest sympathy for Ashling and pay our respects."

In Ashbourne, a candlelit vigil will be held at 4pm at the Arkle Monument Supervalu.

In Kilmessan, a candlelight community vigil will proceed at the Kilmessan GAA grounds at 6pm. Walk/run a lap in memory of Ashling. People are being asked to bring a candle or torch to light the way.

In Kells a walk will take place on Friday starting at the Park Ri carpark and walk the ring road coming back in the Oldcastle Road. People are asked to bring lights.

A short vigil in solidarity and memory of Aisling Murphy and all other victims of violence against women will take place at The Ramparts, Navan on Saturday at 4pm.

There’s a vigil being held for Ashling on Saturday 15th at 4pm in Trim at the wooden bridge at Trim Castle for those who wish to mark this senseless and horrendous crime.

In Longwood another vigil will take place at 4pm today (Friday) and one in Enfield at 6pm on Saturday.

The country is in shock today after Wednesday's senseless killing.

Ashling was a teacher in a local primary school, and was attacked along the Grand Canal towpath near Boland’s Lock at around 4pm yesterday.

It’s understood another woman jogger came across the assault and raised the alarm at a nearby house.

A man in his 40s who was arrested a short time after the assault was released without charge and in no longer a suspect in the killing.

A death notice on RIP.ie read: Ashling Murphy, Cully, Blueball, Co. Offaly.

Died 12th January 2022, due to tragic circumstances. Sadly missed by her heartbroken family, Dad Raymond, Mum Kathleen, brother Cathal, sister Amy, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Ashling's funeral details will be released later.