Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund Announces Anniversary Mass for Ashling Murphy
Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old woman, will be remembered at an anniversary mass tomorrow, marking two years since her tragic murder. The mass will take place at 7pm in St. Brigid’s Church, Mountbolus. Murphy was brutally murdered while exercising on the banks of the Grand Canal at Cappincur outside Tullamore on January 12, 2022.
Jozef Puska, 33, was found guilty of Murphy’s murder and was sentenced to life in prison in November. Despite an extensive investigation by the garda, no motive for the crime was ever established. The trial lasted three weeks, during which Puska pleaded not guilty. However, the jury unanimously reached a guilty verdict after just over two hours of deliberation.
During the trial, Murphy’s sister Amy, mother Kathleen, and boyfriend Ryan Casey gave emotional victim impact statements to the court. Amy directly addressed Puska, expressing the pain caused by his actions. Kathleen’s statement was read aloud by a garda, while Amy and Ryan delivered their statements personally.
The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, established in her name in January last year, aims to enhance and develop traditional Irish arts, culture, and heritage for young people. The fund provides education, tuition, facilities, and equipment, all in line with Murphy’s love for teaching, music, and sport.
As the second anniversary of her death approaches, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund thanked everyone who has supported their cause. They expressed gratitude to those who donated directly to the fund or organized and contributed to various fundraisers. Numerous events such as marathons, parachute jumps, community walks, and music sessions have been organized to raise funds and honor Murphy’s memory.
The fund’s Facebook page invites followers to join them in remembering and celebrating Ashling’s life at her second anniversary mass. The mass will provide an opportunity for friends, family, and community members to come together and pay their respects.
The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund’s overarching goal is to preserve and promote traditional Irish arts, culture, and heritage for young people. The charity wishes to create an environment where the culture that Murphy cherished can thrive.
For more information on the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, including how to contribute and get involved in their mission, please visit their website.
Tomorrow’s anniversary mass will allow loved ones to gather and remember Ashling Murphy, honoring her life and the positive impact she made on those around her.
