Huge crowd gathers in New York City for Ashling Murphy memorial walk

"It’s so great to see that she is honoured in such a lovely way."

Over 100 people gathered in New York City on Sunday, January 21, to honour the memory of Ashling Murphy two years after her death. The primary school teacher was murdered beside the Grand Canal at Cappincur outside Tullamore, Co Offaly, on January 12, 2022. Her killer, Jozef Puska, was sentenced to life in prison last year after being convicted of her murder in November.

Huge crowd gathers in New York City for Ashling Murphy memorial walk

Marking the second anniversary of the 23-year-old's death, a number of walks and charity events have been organised in Ireland and abroad by the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund. A large group in New York braved the freezing -4c conditions to complete the 5km walk in Ashling's memory in Central Park. Photos from the event show the group holding up a jersey with Ashling’s camogie number, 23, that read: "Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís (it will never be the same again), Ashling Murphy."

Speaking at the event, organiser Amy Brett said: "It’s freezing which stands to say a lot. Ashling lost her life two years ago and I don’t think anyone doesn’t think of her when they’re out for a run.

"What we’re about to do is what she went out to do. It’s so great to see that she is honored in such a lovely way.

"Her family said to give their thanks and the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, where all the donations are going, expressed their thanks."

A post on the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund Instagram page showed videos of the large group of people walking through the park. The post read: "Thank you to all the wonderful people in New York that braved Central Park in sub-zero temperatures yesterday morning, Sunday 21st January, for the 3rd Annual Walk in memory of Ashling. "This beautiful event attended by over 100 people highlights the lasting mark Ashling left on the lives of many both close to home and further afield. The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund strives to continue Ashling’s lasting legacy with your kind support." Last year, jurors at the Central Criminal Court reached a unanimous guilty verdict for Puska, 33, following a murder trial that lasted around three weeks. After victim statements were delivered, Jozef Puska was sentenced to life in prison, with Mr Justice Hunt reportedly describing the sentence as "wholly deserved".

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