VIDEO: Towns and villages across Meath unite to remember Ashling Murphy

A number of vigils have been held across the county this weekend to remember 23-year-old Ashling Murphy, with large crowds gathering all across the country and standing in solidarity with the Murphy family.

Towns including Ashbourne, Ballivor, Navan, Trim, Kells, Kilmessan and Bettystown held candlelit vigils and musical contributions. In Navan at the Ramparts on Saturday, people threw flowers into the Boyne with members of Meath River Rescue.

In Trim, Cllr Aisling Dempsey was joined by her father and former minister Noel, representing Trim GAA as well as Cllr Noel French under the shadow of Trim Castle with over 300 local residents.

A similar number turned up at Park Ri Services in Kells for a candlelit moment of remembrance before going on a short looped walk.

In Ashbourne musicians turned out in force to play for the crowd surrounding the Arkle statue while in Ballivor there was a candlelit ceremony in the grounds of the church as 'A Woman's Heart' by Mary Black was played.

In Bettystown, Cllr Sharon Tolan organised a beachside vigil where over 240 people signed a bok of condolences. In Navan in Blackwater Park, hundreds walked the track after a poignant moment of reflection led by local fitness instructor and mother-of-two Aoife Bradley.

Ms Murphy was attacked and killed on the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly, on Wednesday afternoon.

Another event, A Run For Ashling is being organised to raise money for Safe Ireland.

The event will take place in Nobber on Sunday 16th January at 12pm at the trail walk. Meeting at the school. The donation link is here.

Gardaí are waiting to interview a new person of interest in the case who is currently in hospital. A number of searches have been carried out in Tullamore and Dublin as part of their investigation.

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