Funeral of murdered Ashling Murphy takes place in Ireland today
The teacher was killed in broad daylight after going on a run
The funeral of Ashling Murphy, an Irish primary school teacher murdered while out for a run, is taking place today.
Ms Murphy's funeral will be livestreamed from 11am so that mourners can pay their respects virtually, as the woman's murder shocked the Irish public.
A talented musician, the 23-year-old was found dead after going for a run on the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore, County Offaly.
Investigations into the woman's death are underway, and no suspects have been publicly named as yet. However, the murder has triggered a massive public response in Ireland.
Tens of thousands across the country attended vigils in recent days to honour Ms Murphy, who was killed at 4pm in broad daylight.
Speaking at a vigil in Ashling's memory, a close friend of the primary school teacher said that Ms Murphy had taken up running as part of a New Year's resolution.
Ashling's murder has reignited the debate around women's safety in Ireland, with some drawing comparisons to Sarah Everard, who was followed home and murdered by an off-duty police officer last year.
It comes as Irish police - known as Gardaà - investigating the death of Ms Murphy renewed an appeal for information, saying "significant progress" has been made in the murder probe.
Gardaà have asked anyone who saw a man dressed in black tracksuit top with no hood, black tracksuit bottoms with a large white stripe or white writing on the side and black runners to come forward.
Officers have asked members of the public whether they saw this man walking in the Tullamore area, or if they gave the man a lift on the evening last Wednesday.
In a statement, Gardaà said: "We are now asking for any member of the public who was on the Grand Canal Way on the morning or afternoon of the January 12 between Digby's bridge and Ballycommon to contact the investigation team.
"Whether you think you saw anything or not please contact Gardaà in Tullamore."
The public has also been asked if they noticed him loitering at any location or "involved in any activity which drew your attention".
Gardaà have also warned against the sharing of information on social media, saying it could jeopardise the case and lead to vital intelligence going undiscovered.
As their investigation continues, gardai believe the development of DNA profiles will form an integral part of the search for Ms Murphy's killer.
It comes as a new person of interest has been identified, who is believed to be in hospital in the Dublin region receiving treatment, and are waiting to speak to him.
Gardaà have also appealed for information about a "Falcon Storm mountain bike with straight handlebars and distinctive yellow/green front forks" that may have been used during the attack, as they try to piece together how the teacher was killed.
Mr Murphy's family have appealed for privacy at her family home before the funeral mass.
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