The family of Ashling Murphy said they have received an “overwhelming” response to a fund launched in her memory on Friday.
Primary school teacher Ashling, 23, died on January 12, 2022, after an alleged attack while she was out for a run on the banks of the canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
Her grieving family chose the date of January 6 – Nollaig na mBan – for the launch of the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund to honour her legacy.
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A spokeswoman for the trust told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “The reaction to the launch on both of our social media pages has been overwhelming and heart warming.
“To know that Ashling is still very fondly remembered by so many, almost one year on since her passing.
“There have been hundreds of likes, follows, re-sharing of posts and comments of support since the official launch at 3.45pm yesterday [Friday] evening.
“In less than 24 hours, people have already generously donated to the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund through the charity’s official iDonate fundraising platform.
“The message [is] that Ashling’s tragedy touched the world. And as we reach her first anniversary it is clear from our launch that Ashling has never and will never be forgotten.
“Her name will live on and the support of the nation is much appreciated by the family and committee.”
The fundraising page pays tribute to “a beautiful, talented and exceptional young lady, who will forever be 23 and will never be forgotten”.
The spokeswoman asked for privacy and respect for the Murphy family and all others she had a “special connection with”.
Yesterday, the family posted on the memorial fund page expressing their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported them. They thanked clergy, funeral director Tom Lawless and “loving neighbours and friends where words cannot describe the immeasurable efforts and supports received immediately, during the days that followed and the ongoing support offered to them since Ashling’s tragic loss”.
An anniversary Mass to mark one year since the death of Ashling will take place in Mountbolus Church on Thursday.
Jozef Puska, 31, with an address at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, was charged with Ashling’s murder.
His trial is set to begin at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin on June 3, 2023.
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