Ashling Murphy Boyfriend: She was a "vibrant, intelligent and highly-motivated woman"

The boyfriend of Ashling Murphy has said she was a "vibrant, intelligent and highly-motivated woman".

Speaking after Jozef Puska was found guilty of her murder, Ryan Casey thanked police and the prosecution for their work on the case.

Speaking also on behalf of the Murphy family, he said:

"From day one, the outpouring of love and support was felt in abundance from the Irish people both at a national and international level as they stood in solidarity with our family to both mourn the loss of our beautiful, talented Ashling and to condemn gender-based brutality with visceral repulsion.

"Ashley was was a vibrant, intelligent and highly-motivated woman who embodied so many great traits and qualities of the Irish people and its communities.

"Her life had a huge impact on so many of those around her and she was the epitome of a perfect role model for every little girl to look up to and strive to be.

"She was not only an integral part of our family, but she was also a huge shining light in our community."

Women's Aid has welcomed the the conviction of Josef Puska for the murder of Ashling Murphy.

In a statement, the charity said:

"When Puska senselessly took Ashling Murphy's life at 4.30pm in broad daylight while she was out on a run, it sent a shockwave through communities in Ireland.

"That this could happen tapped into a visceral feeling that so many girls and women are socialised to feel - that the risk of male violence is everywhere. That nowhere is safe.

"The murder of Ashling Murphy was a shocking example of dangers posed to women and the case put a spotlight on the inherent risk of male violence in society. Every woman should have the right to be safe, both in their own homes and in their communities.

"One man goes to jail today but this will not bring Ashling back or compensate for her heart-rending loss. Effective criminal justice sanctions are vital and we truly hope this offers some measure of justice and closure to Ashling's family and friends."

Judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt told the jury "we have evil in this room" after Jozef Puska was found guilty of murdering Ashling Murphy.

Justice Hunt said:

"There will be a day of reckoning for Puska."

The judge said the case dealing with Ms Murphy's killing was particularly difficult given "the kind of person that she obviously was".

He said primary school teachers loved children and her GAA top showed her love of sport.

He told the court that to lose a child was unnatural.

Speaking of the Murphy family, he said:

"Their position is unenviable. How their child was taken away, to consider what happened here is enough to make you physically ill."

The jury were applauded as they exited the chamber as Ms Murphy's mother held up a framed photograph of her daughter.

The judge said he had asked for silence but said the applause was "understandable".

Jozef Puska, 33, has been found guilty at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin of murdering schoolteacher Ashling Murphy in Tullamore, Co Offaly, in January last year.

Ms Murphy, 23, was killed while exercising on a canal path in Tullamore on the afternoon of January 12 2022.

Puska, of Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, Tullamore, had pleaded not guilty to her murder.

The jury of nine men and three women reached their unanimous verdict after beginning deliberations on Wednesday.

Judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt thanked the jury for their service and exempted them from further duty for 20 years.

He said the prompt verdict reflected that it was a straightforward case.

He said he agreed with the verdict and was satisfied it was correct.

However, he said there was no doubt the case was "difficult and upsetting".

The jury in the trial of the man accused of murdering school teacher Ashling Murphy has resumed its deliberations at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.

Ms Murphy, 23, was killed while exercising on a canal path in Tullamore, Co Offaly, on the afternoon of January 12 last year.

Jozef Puska, 33, of Lynally Grove in Mucklagh, Tullamore, has pleaded not guilty to her murder.

The jury deliberated for a brief period late on Wednesday afternoon.

Judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt sent the nine men and three women of the jury out to resume their considerations at 10.53am on Thursday after clarifying some matters related to legal principles and evidence in the case.

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