Ashling Murphy charity fund "incredibly grateful" after "difficult year"

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund issued a statement on January 2 reflecting on the past year while also encouraging the public to continue to support the charity initiative.

“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,” a statement shared on the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund's social media said on January 2.

“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 etc. 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 everyday.

"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."

Established in November 2022, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund is for the further enhancement, development, and advancement of traditional Irish arts, culture, and heritage for young people.

More information about the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, including how to donate, how to fundraise, and how to apply for funding, can be found online here on iDonate.

"Wishing everyone a happy, peaceful, and safe new year," the statement added.

In December, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund said it was "delighted" to see Ashling’s passions and strong legacy continuing after two Mary Immaculate College students, Róisín O’Connor and Catherine Joyce, were awarded the inaugural Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship. 

Ashling Murphy, 23, was murdered on January 12, 2022, when she was jogging along the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

The murder caused outrage not only in Ireland but throughout the global Irish community. 

Jozef Puska, with an address listed as Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, was arrested on January 18, 2022, and was charged on the following day, the day of Murphy's funeral in Co Offaly.

Puska was sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court on April 6, 2022, after being served with a book of evidence. Later that month, Justice Paul McDermott set a trial date of June 6, 2023, which was later postponed until October.

Puska was granted free legal aid, including representation of junior and senior counsel at the trial.

Puska was accused of stabbing Murphy 11 times in the neck as she jogged along a stretch of the Grand Canal near Tullamore in Co Offaly in broad daylight. He. pleaded not guilty and claimed he had been trying to help the schoolteacher after she had been stabbed by another man.

After a jury found him guilty on November 9, Puska received a life sentence on November 17.

On December 20, five people known to Puska were told they will face trial for obstruction charges in relation to the murder investigation.