Ashling Murphy remembered as a kind, talented, loved young woman who was taken in a "depraved act of violence"
The body of the 23-year-old, a talented musician and teacher, was found on the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore, sparking a murder investigation.
Last updated 18th Jan 2022
Ashling Murphy has been described as a kind, talented, loved and admired young woman at her funeral service.
The body of the 23-year-old, a talented musician and teacher, was found on the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore, sparking a murder investigation.
Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan said the murder of the 23-year-old woman has asked questions of "ourselves and of society".
He said a "depraved act of violence" which deprived Ashling Murphy of her life has united the country in grief and support.
Her death has intensified debate around gender-based violence.
Huge crowds gathered for the funeral in the village of Mountbolus, and outside St Brigid's Church, where Ms Murphy's funeral mass is being held.
Children outside the church held photographs of Ms Murphy and roses. The message next to Ms Murphy's image read: "Fly high in the sky, Our shining light."
Irish president Michael D Higgins and Irish premier Micheal Martin were among those in attendance.
Bishop Deenihan told mourners that Ms Murphy's murder has questioned attitudes, particularly attitudes towards women, and "our values and morality".
"Whether those questions will be addressed or passed over remains to be seen but we cannot allow such violence and disregard for both human life and bodily integrity take root in our time and culture," he added.
"The past few days have been a nightmare. A walk on a mild and sunny afternoon in January should be a happy event, promising the brighter and warmer days of spring and summer.
"That, as we know, was not the case. A depraved act of violence which deprived a kind, talented, loved and admired young woman of her life has since united the country in grief and support.
"We all know that no individual should die like Ashling and no family should suffer like Ashling's.
"Respect is an old-fashioned word but it is an important one. Respect was missing last Wednesday but it has re-emerged here all the stronger.
"Let us respect each other."
Parish priest Michael Meade told mourners that Ashling's family has been "robbed of your most precious gift".
"A gift that gave only joy and love, fun and laughter to many, many beyond yourselves and bounds of your own home," Fr Meade added.
"Let us not be afraid to make change a reality in all our lives, change for what only is good.
"Together we grieve, we pray, we hurt - this is the heavy price we pay for love - we gather as a family of faith, to be with, to support by our prayer and our presence, those whose darkness is deep, whose pain is raw and fierce.
"The issues raised in many ways and by many voices since this horrible act of violence invaded all our lives will, we pray, continue to evolve and bring the change we need so much.
"Not to talk about it but to simply give and show respect."
He said that Ms Murphy's love was "freely given and shared" through music, sport and her vocation as a teacher.
"Today we can only give thanks for having had small share in the privilege of sharing in this most wonderful and lovely human being.
"Today we share our love, our grief, our faith and our comfort with the Murphy and Leonard families."
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