A Team Ireland boxer is offering a free class to women to help them feel safe in the wake of Ashling Murphy’s murder.
Ashing, a teacher from Tullamore, Co Offaly, was attacked whilst out for a run in the area last week.
Grainne Walsh, an Irish boxer who is also from Tullamore, posted on Twitter that she would be offering a free boxing class for women to encourage them to “feel safe and confident as we go about our daily lives”.
She said: “After the tragic events of this week, I think it is very important that we, as women, create a safe space to come together, exercise and socialise while feeling safe as a group.”
The class will be free, with the option to donate to women’s charities available on the day.
All fitness levels are welcome as the class will be taught at a beginner’s level.
Walsh said that if the event is a success, she will consider making it a weekly event for women to get together for runs and walks.
Ashling will be laid to rest on Tuesday after an attack along the Grand Canal in Tullamore last Wednesday while she was out for a run.
Since then, there have been vigils held around the country in her memory, with the safety of women in Ireland at the forefront of conversations.
In the Tweet, Walsh said: “This class will be in memory of Ashling Murphy, who tragically lost her life while out for a run.”
She told the Irish Mirror: "Everyone around Ireland feels the pain of this tragedy and we would all love to be able to give something back or help in some way.
"I wanted to hold this class to encourage people, women in particular, to come together as a group, meet new people and feel safe while working out.
"It’s a shame such a tragedy has happened for us to start something but I really want to encourage people to not be afraid and to come along on Saturday."
It will take place in Tullamore Town Park on Saturday, January 22, at 11 am.
Walsh asked those who are interested to get in touch through her Twitter account, @GrainneWalshBox.
Walsh won Bronze at the 2017 EU Championships in Cascia, Italy and again in the European Games in Minsk, Belarus in 2019.
She boxes at Spartacus Boxing Club in Tullamore.
