Ashling Murphy's family thanks public for support

'Ashling Murphy was a beautiful, caring, loving, compassionate, and warm-hearted person.' 

The family of Ashling Murphy has thanked the public for its support after a “significantly difficult year” which saw her murderer jailed for life.

In a statement issued through a memorial fund set up in honour of the late schoolteacher, the family remembered Ms Murphy as a “truly admirable and inspiring lady". 

The 23-year-old was killed while she was out jogging along the canal footpath in Tullamore, Co Offaly, on the afternoon of January 12, 2022.

Her killer Jozef Puska was found guilty of her murder at the Central Criminal Courts of Justice in November and was handed a life sentence which presiding judge Tony Hunt said was “richly deserved".

In a statement on Facebook, her family said: “As the year, 2023, has drawn to a close and a new year begins, we would like to reflect on the year that’s past and look forward to the one to come.

“Although 2023 was a significantly difficult year for the family and friends of Ashling, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund.

“We thank all who donated, undertook a fundraiser, promoted the fund, sent messages of support. Your support has not gone unnoticed.

“Ashling touched the hearts and minds of many people worldwide during her short life and even after her tragic departure from us almost two years ago.

“As we anticipate 2024, we want to continue to ensure Ashling’s name and legacy continues to live on every day.

Our wish is that Ashling will always be remembered for the truly admirable and inspiring lady she was. 

"We would appreciate your support in continuing this wish.

“Wishing everyone a happy, peaceful, and safe new year.” 

The memorial fund was set up shortly after her death, and donations and proceeds from fundraisers "will be utilised to achieve the objectives" of the memorial fund, which are compiled by the Murphy family and committee members and are deemed "close to Ashling's heart", her family said.

A heartbreaking tribute to the young woman on their website said: "Ashling Murphy was a beautiful, caring, loving, compassionate, and warm-hearted person.

"An amazing daughter to Ray and Kathleen, a wonderful sister to Amy and Cathal, a loving partner to Ryan, and a kind, caring young woman to her extended family, pupils, colleagues, and wide circle of friends.

"Ashling was breathtakingly talented, an exceptional musician, talented sportsperson, and an inspirational teacher to the many young people she encountered within her 23 years."