Following the conviction of Jozef Puska for the murder of teacher Ashling Murphy last year, her boyfriend Ryan Casey and brother Cathal Murphy spoke briefly to media outside the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.
Mr Casey said: “At this moment in time, and on behalf of the Murphy family, I would like to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to all of our family, friends and community for their unwavering support since our Ashling was stolen from us 22 months ago on the 12th January, 2022.
“From day one, the outpouring of love and support was felt in abundance from the Irish people, both on 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.
“Ashling was a vibrant, intelligent and highly motivated young 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, a community in which year in year out, she gave back to as best she could.
“Words cannot express the gratitude to all members of An Garda Siochana who conducted and pieced together a robust and thorough investigation. We wish to formally thank the prosecution legal team, Justice Hunt and also our family liaison officers.
“We’d like to also thank the victims support and court team who were always there for us, always waiting to help us at any given moment.”
Ms Murphy’s brother Cathal added: “We would like to also thank the members of the jury for reaching this verdict.
“Sitting through the harrowing evidence at this trial was not an easy task, and we will be forever grateful for their patience and resilience throughout this incredibly difficult process.
“Ashling was subject to incomprehensible violence by a predator who not known to her.
“While we do not glory in any conviction, we recognise the importance of holding accountable those who would commit such terrible atrocities.
“The judicial process cannot bring our darling Ashling back nor can it heal our wounds, but we are relieved that this verdict delivers justice. It is simply imperative that this vicious monster can never harm another woman again.
“While we respect the role of the media in providing accurate updates and information for the public, we are asking here and now that all media outlets please respect our privacy at this time as we continue to process and grieve the loss of our darling Ashling.”
