Gardaí continue hunt for killer of 'little angel' Ashling Murphy
Ashling Murphy
A mistake in identification may have resulted in gardaí arresting and questioning the “wrong man” on Wednesday in connection with the murder of Offaly schoolteacher Ashling Murphy.
A source close to the investigation said the man who had been detained denied any involvement in the death of the 23-year-old from the beginning.
It is understood that because of commentary on social media since the arrest, and the distribution of images on social messaging platforms, the man, described as a 40-year-old, was brought to safe accommodation for the night after his release.
Commenting on those claims, the solicitor for the former suspect, Donal Farrelly, said tonight it is now “quite clear this man had nothing to do with the incident and has been cleared of all allegations”.
Mr Farrelly added: “Police are now continuing with other lines of inquiry because he has been fully ruled out.”
The solicitor was speaking after An Garda Síochána released a statement saying the man had been eliminated from their enquiries “and is no longer a suspect”.
Ashling Murphy died after she was assaulted on Wednesday afternoon along the canal bank at Cappincur in Tullamore, Co Offally.
Ms Murphy, 23, taught first class at a local primary school and was well known in traditional music circles.
Her family have described her as a “special girl” and a “little angel”.
Those who knew her described her as a gifted musician who was loved by her pupils.
In an interview with the Irish Independent newspaper, her father Raymond said: “She was a great worker, with great drive. A marvellous musician.
On Thursday evening, hundreds of people gathered in Galway city centre for a vigil in memory of Ms Murphy.
A number of vigils will take place in cities and towns across the country to remember the teacher over the coming days.
In a statement issued this morning, gardaí added: “An Garda Síochána continue to investigate this fatal assault that occurred at approximately 4pm on Wednesday, 12 January, 2022, along the canal bank at Cappincur, Tullamore, County Offaly.
“An Garda Síochána continue to appeal for any information on a Falcon Storm mountain bike with straight handlebars and distinctive yellow/green front forks.
“Gardaí continue to appeal for any person with any information on this fatal assault, who may not already have spoken to investigators, to come forward with that information.
“Gardaí continue to appeal to any persons that were in the Cappincur/Canal walk area of Tullamore, County Offaly before 4pm, yesterday afternoon Wednesday, 12 January 2022, to make contact with them.”
The National Women’s Council (NWC) has said the outpouring of grief across the country following Ashling Murphy's killing must be a "watershed moment" in ending men's violence against women.
“In the wake of the senseless killing of Ashling Murphy, women across Ireland have been sharing their stories of abuse and harassment, and how they curtail their lives so that they feel safer," said Orla O'Connor.
"Ultimately there is no behaviour change women can make that will keep them safe from men’s violence."
Ms O'Connor went on to say that for women to be safe in their homes and communities "real" political leadership is needed as well as greater supports and resources.
"We need one Government department with responsibility for ending gender-based violence, with a Minister responsible for violence against women sitting at the Cabinet table.
Ms O'Connor said we need to focus on preventing men's violence against women by creating a "zero-tolerance culture" towards misogyny and sexism.
"This means, for example, funding and resources for programmes in second and third level education," she said.
"It means policy change in our education system to ensure the casual sexism that girls and women experience is unacceptable.
"It means zero tolerance toward street harassment, and always toward harassment in the workplace.”
Senior Irish politicians have promised that justice will be delivered for Ms Murphy’s family and condemned violence against women.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the teacher “represented the best of modern Ireland”.
He added: “The entire country is devastated and shocked by the violent and barbaric killing of Ashling Murphy, a young woman in the prime of her life.
“There is no place in our society for violence, particularly violence against women. It cannot and will not be tolerated.
“The safety and security of women is at the core of our society’s values.”
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar expressed his condolences to the family of Ms Murphy.
He tweeted: “There must be zero tolerance for any violence against women.” Mr Varadkar called Ms Murphy’s death “truly devastating and senseless”, adding that “every effort is being made to make sure justice is served”.
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.
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