Ashling Murphy’s third anniversary will be marked with a special mass and commemorative walk in her native Co Offaly on Sunday, January 12.
The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund said on social media ahead of the third anniversary that all are invited to Mass at St. Brigid's Church in Mountbolus, Co Offaly at 10 am on Sunday.
Afterward, a commemorative walk to Ashling's Memorial Shrine on the Grand Canal in Tullamore will take place. Attendees can meet at Digby Bridge carpark in Capincurr at 3 pm, while anyone walking along the canal from the Tullamore side can meet at Ashling's Shrine at 3:15 pm.
"Please join us as we remember our beloved Ashling on her 3rd anniversary," organizers said.
*UPDATE:The time and place where attendees should meet for the walk has changed.
"Due to limited parking available at Digby Bridge, Cappincur, stewarding has been arranged to lead the commemorative walk from the Tullamore side along the Grand Canal to Ashling’s Memorial Shrine.
"We invite the public to meet at Fiona Pender’s Monument at 2.30pm to reach Ashling’s Memorial by approx. 3.15pm.
"We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in adhering to stewards requests and safety measures in place in Tullamore and Cappincur."
Ashling Murphy.
Established in November 2022 and launched in January 2023, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund is for the further enhancement, development, and advancement of traditional Irish arts, culture, and heritage for young people.
In a new year update this month, the people behind the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund said they "have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and the desire of so many to remember Ashling, regardless of whether they personally knew Ashling or not."
More information about the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, including how to donate, how to fundraise, and how to apply for funding, can be found online here on iDonate.
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The murder of Ashling Murphy
Ashling Murphy, 23, was murdered while she was out for a jog along the canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly at around 4 pm on January 12, 2022.
The shocking incident sent shockwaves not only through Ireland but also through the global Irish community.
Jozef Puska, with an address listed as Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, was arrested on January 18, 2022, and was charged on the following day, the day of Ashling's funeral in Co Offaly.
Jozef Puska in handcuffs. (RollingNews.ie)
Puska was accused of stabbing Ashling 11 times in the neck as she jogged along a stretch of the Grand Canal near Tullamore in Co Offaly in broad daylight. He pleaded not guilty and claimed he had been trying to help the schoolteacher after she had been stabbed by another man.
After a jury found him guilty on November 9, 2023, Puska received a life sentence on November 17, 2023.
In April 2024, RTÉ News reported that Puska had been granted legal aid to appeal his conviction.
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