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Participants in a walk to remember murdered woman Ashling Murphy. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Participants in a walk to remember murdered woman Ashling Murphy. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
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Despite a wet afternoon quite a few people turned out for a tribute walk along Newry Canal in memory of Offaly girl Ashling Murphy. Ashling was murdered last week while out jogging along the Grand Canal near Tullamore and her funeral was held today.

Organiser of the event Helena Young expressed her gratitude to those who joined in saying "I am very grateful to everyone who turned out to walk with us along the canal to the town hall, the weather wasn't great and and 4 pm was not a suitable time for many people however, I didn't want to do this after dark."

Helena Young speaking at Newry Town Hall. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
Helena Young speaking at Newry Town Hall. Photograph: Columba O'Hare

Speaking outside Newry Town Hall where the walk ended, Young said "It is fair to say that Ashling's death has resonated across our island and beyond - our nation mourns.

"There has been profound sadness and anger at the circumstances of Ashlings death, today our focus is on Ashling's family and friends, we send our thoughts and wrap our arms around them."

A poem was read out by Helena Young entitled 'She is Gone'

You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile that she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back or you can open your eyes and see all the she has left
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her or it can be full of the love that you shared
You can remember her and only that she is gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can do what Ashling would have wanted
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

The event finished with a moment of quiet reflection.

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