Man arrested over murder of Ashling Murphy
The 23-year-old victim was killed last Wednesday while out for a run at a canal bank near Tullamore
Last updated 18th Jan 2022
A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ashling Murphy.
The male is now detained in Tullamore Garda Station.
Today (Tuesday) huge crowds gathered for her funeral in the village of Mountbolus, and outside St Brigid's Church, where Ms Murphy's funeral mass was 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 Micheál 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."
"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."
Tens of thousands of people have also attended vigils in recent days to honour Ms Murphy.
Read More:
Funeral of Ashling Murphy to take place today
Stormont hold vigil for Ashling Murphy
Suspect in Ashling Murphy investigation has "wounds he can't explain"
How to listen to Cool FM: