Ashling Murphy epitomised the beauty of life, mourners are told

Flowers and messages close to the scene where Ashling Murphy was was attacked and killed on the banks of the Grand Canal at Cappincur, Co Offaly, last week. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Hundreds of mourners poured into the shape of a perfect cross as they filled the T-junction outside St Brigid’s Church, clutching flowers and each other’s hands as they waited for Ashling Murphy’s funeral.

Words about Jesus’ sacrifice to the world, dying violently to save unknown others, would strike an awful resonance as repeated calls were made throughout the funeral for Ms Murphy’s tragic death to provoke change to make the world a safer place for women and girls.