TODAY marks the first anniversary of the murder of Offaly teacher Ashling Murphy.
The 23-year-old primary school teacher and traditional Irish musician was attacked and killed while jogging along the Grand Canal outside Tullamore on the afternoon of January 12, 2022.
Jozef Puska, 31, of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, County Offaly, is charged with her murder. He is due to stand trial at the Central Criminal court in June.
The shocking incident sparked an outpouring of sorrow across Donegal as communities rallied in grief. Hundreds of people attended vigils in Letterkenny and across Donegal. Vigils were also held around the country and globally.
A vigil in Letterkenny following the murder of Ashling Murphy.
A number of local organisations and services also offered support, particularly to women, in the aftermath of the Ms Murphy’s murder. Martin Anderson, Sonder Cafe, opened the doors of his eatery to offer those out running and walking early in the morning a safe place to drop in for assistance and shelter, if needed. Donegal Women’s Centre also urged anyone affected to contact the service. Manager of the service, Mary Herlihy said the incident “struck a cord with every woman in the country”. She told of how such incidents can also be a “trigger for a person who was previously attacked or had a lucky escape”.
The anniversary of Ms Murphy’s murder comes as gardai and police investigate the murders of two women in their own homes over the Christmas and New Year period. Bruna Fonseca (28) was found dead in her home in Cork on New Year’s Day. Miller Pacheco (29) has been charged with her murder. Meanwhile, Natalie McNally was murdered in her Lurgan home on December 18. Ms McNally, who was 15 weeks pregnant, was stabbed to death. The PSNI in the north are continuing to hunt for her killer.
Women’s Aid said it anticipated calls to its free 24 hour helpline to increase 17 per cent after Christmas.
Based on 2021/2022 figures, the National Helpline said it had expected to receive 92 calls a day in December with that rising to 108 calls a day in January. This is an increase of 17 per cent. The organisation said a contributing factor in the expected increase in contact was due to increased levels of economic abuse exacerbated by the cost of living of crisis.
Women’s Aid can be contacted on 1800 341 900, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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