New York To Remember Ashling Murphy

Ashling Murphy was killed in broad daylight while out on a run in an apparently random attack.

The murder of the 23-year-old primary school teacher and musician, along the banks of the Grand Canal just outside Tullamore last Wednesday, has sparked shock, revulsion, and anger, not just on the island of Ireland but further afield.

Thousands have attended vigils in her memory across Ireland but also in New York and Toronto.

A commemorative event is planned for Central Park NYC this Sunday with all proceeds going to Womens Aid.

Ms. Murphy's killing has sparked calls for more to be done to tackle domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence towards women.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said:

“My thoughts are with Ashling Murphy's family, her friends, her pupils and colleagues at school, and the whole community in Tullamore who are facing unimaginable heartbreak. The entire country is reeling from this horrendous attack which has seen a woman’s life cut short.

“We have seen an outpouring of grief and women and girls across generations sharing their own stories of living in fear.

“Violence against women and girls, and the fear of it, is far too common and blights the lives of women and girls across the country. Harassment is the norm, not the exception. We have the right to be safe on our streets and in our homes. Yet too often, we are not.

"Violence against women is an epidemic in our society. This moment has to be a tipping point. This is an all of society problem that exists in our families, in our homes, in our communities, and in our schools; right across society.

"This is a moment that requires political leadership. Now is the time for us to come together to say enough is enough. Sinn Féin is bringing a motion to the Dáil next week to stand with women and girls, and to call on the government to expedite the strategies, resources, and funding needed to tackle and end violence against women.

“Women and girls have lived in fear forever. Enough is enough. As mothers, we will not allow our daughters to live in that same fear. As a society, we will stand together and demand change.