Murder probe launched after young teacher killed while jogging in Offaly
Ashling Murphy, 23, was fatally attacked in Tullamore and Gardaí believe the killer may have been a stranger.
Last updated 13th Jan 2022
Gardai investigating the suspected murder of a young woman in Co Offaly have said "no stone will be left unturned" in bringing her killer to justice.
Ashling Murphy, a primary school teacher, musician and camogie player in Tullamore, was killed on Wednesday afternoon along the banks of the Grand Canal at Cappincur.
Murder probe underway
Superintendent Eamonn Curley told reporters on Thursday: "This area here, where the crime occurred, is popular among Tullamore residents and is widely used for recreational purposes.
"The victim of this crime is Ashling Murphy.
"Aisling was a schoolteacher in Durrow National School. Our prayers are with Ashing's family at this time and indeed the wider community, her teaching colleagues and the children she taught who are without their teacher today.
"Immediately following the discovery of this crime, a full-scale murder investigation was launched.
"At this stage, there is no information that the victim and her killer were known to each other.
"From our enquiries we have carried out, we believe this crime was committed by one male who acted alone."
He said that a 40-year-old man has been arrested and is being detained at Tullamore Garda Station.
Superintendent Curley said gardai retain an "open mind" in the investigation.
He appealed to the public for assistance and asked any witnesses to come forward.
Tributes have flooded in for Ashling
Her former school, Sacred Heart Tullamore, said: “Today we remember our past pupil Ashling Murphy. Ashling was a vibrant member of our school community during her six years here and she will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad and difficult time.”
The president of Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in Limerick, where Ms Murphy completed her studies just three month ago, said the entire MIC community is "heartbroken and shocked to the core."
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Sinn Fein’s Stormont leader Michelle O’Neill said the country is “shocked and saddened.”
A vigil for Ashling is due to take place outside the Dail on Friday.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has described the killing of young Irish teacher Ashling Murphy as a "devastating blow to her family and community".
In a statement on Thursday evening, he said: "The entire country is devastated and shocked by the violent and barbaric killing of Ashling Murphy, a young woman in the prime of her life.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, family, friends, club and community.
"We are also conscious of the enormous trauma being experienced by the children she taught at Durrow National School.
"Ashling represented the best of modern Ireland, as a teacher, musician and sportsperson."