Man held after brutal daylight killing of teacher Ashling Murphy (23)

Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old primary school teacher, was from just outside Tullamore.

A man held overnight at Tullamore Garda Station in connection with the investigation into the suspected murder of teacher Ashling Murphy yesterday will face further questioning this morning.

The man, a Romanian national who has been living in the Co Offaly town for a number of years, was arrested yesterday afternoon following the fatal assault of the 23-year-old local primary schoolteacher.

Ms Murphy taught first class at a local primary school and was well known in traditional music circles.

The man was arrested after two women out walking reportedly came upon Ms Murphy being attacked around 4pm on the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Gardaí confirmed at 7.40pm yesterday evening that Ms Murphy had died and launched a murder investigation.

Gardaí quickly closed off the area on the banks of the Grand Canal, between the town centre and Boland's Lock. 

Ms Murphy's body was removed from the scene at about 9pm.

The crime scene at a location known as Boland's Lock remains preserved and the State Pathologist has been contacted to carry out a post mortem.

The Office of the State Pathologist and the Garda Technical Bureau have also been notified.

Ashling Murphy was well-known in traditional music circles.

An incident room has been established at Tullamore Garda Station under a Senior Investigating Officer and a family liaison officer has been appointed and is liaising with the family of the deceased.

The violent incident, which took place on the greenway regularly used by walkers and runners, has shocked people in the town and beyond.

The stretch of the canal where the attack occurred is called Fiona's Way in memory of Fiona Pender, a woman who grew up nearby and has been missing since 1996 when she disappeared.

Gardaí are appealing for any person with any information on this fatal assault to come forward. In particular, Gardaí are appealing to any persons that were in the Cappincur/canal walk area of Tullamore before 4pm on Wednesday to contact them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.