'Distressed' women ran to nearest house for phone after witnessing fatal attack

Ashling Murphy. Picture: Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann

 “Living in a nightmare” is how horrified locals describe the morning after local primary school teacher and respected musician Ashling Murphy was brutally murdered.

Still reeling from the horror of what unfolded hours earlier just metres from his home, Tommy Martin said the two females who witnessed the brutal attack ran to his door “in a distressed state” for help at about 4pm yesterday.

“A young girl I know, she ran in and asked if she could use the phone. She said a girl was being assaulted on the canal line. She and a friend were out jogging.

“They had seen it happen.

“They had no phone. She made a call on the landline to the gardaí and she left.” 

It is understood witnesses passed the horrifying scene on the opposite side of the canal before running for help.

Members of the public lay flowers at the scene near the fatal assault on Ashling Murphy that occurred at about 4pm on Wednesday along the canal bank at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly. Picture: Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie

“I’m devastated. I’m here since 1979 and I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m gutted. She [Ms Murphy] was doing everything right.

“Something has to be done regarding assaults on women.

“My heart goes out [to the family]. I have two daughters myself.

“It will take a long time to get the confidence back.” 

Carthage Keyes speaks about the talented musician and teacher Ashling Murphy who was murdered near his home in Tullamore.

Another man from Tullamore, Ray Larkin, also spoke on the tragic killing of Ashling Murphy saying the incident "is going to cut scars." 

"You’d think it could never happen. Such a beautiful family. The fear is in this walk now."

Ms Murphy, a renowned local fiddle player described as "beautiful, kind and very talented", was killed on Fiona’s Way, a stretch of canal named after another murdered young woman, Fiona Pender, who disappeared more than 25 years ago.

Locals still remember Ms Pender and Mr Martin said Ms Murphy’s death will cut an equally deep, painful scar in the community.

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