THE canal walkway Ashling Murphy was running on when she was attacked and brutally murdered is named after a missing woman.
The 23-year-old died after being violently assaulted along a canal in Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly, at around 4pm yesterday.
Fiona Pender, also from Tullamore, disappeared 25-years ago.
Fiona was last seen at her flat at Church Street, Tullamore at 6am on Friday, August 23 1996.
She was 25-year’s-old at the time of her disappearance and was seven months pregnant.
The 4.5km Grand Canal Loop Walk, where primary school teacher Ashling last night died, was named Fiona’s Way to commemorate Pender.
Fiona is described as 5’5″ in height with long blond hair and she was wearing bright coloured clothing and white leggings at the time of her disappearance.
Gardai renewed their appeal for information on Fiona’s disappearance last year and asked anyone that met, saw or has any information in relation to the disappearance the early morning of Friday, August 23,1996 who has not spoken to Gardai to come forward.
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Ashling Murphy was a talented trad musician, who worked at Durrow National School and was exercising along when she was targeted.
Gardai have arrested a 40-year-old male and he is currently detained at Tullamore Garda Station with a “full scale Murder investigation” now underway.
Speaking on the area where she was attacked, Superintendent Eamonn Curley said: “The incident occurred, as I said, on the Grand Canal way at Cappincur, but more specifically between Boland Lough and Digby’s bridge here behind me. This area here where the crime occurred is popular among Tullamore residents and is widely used for recreational purposes.”
Superintendent Curley vowed to “leave no stone unturned” in the investigation.
He said: “We have established an incident room at Tullamore Garda Station with a team of over 50 Gardai assigned to the investigation. Personnel from Nationalist Specialist Units including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation have been assigned to the investigation.”
SUSPECT ARRESTED
Gardai believe the suspect — thought to be from outside the area — pounced in an unprovoked and random attack.
It’s understood the attack was witnessed by other walkers.
The suspect can be held for 24 hours before being released or charged.
Sacred Heart School Tullamore also posted a poem and photos from her time at the secondary school.
They wrote: “Today we remember our past pupil Ashling Murphy. Ashling was a vibrant member of our school community during her six years here and she will be sadly missed.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad and difficult time.”
Gardai are appealing for anyone with any information to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
