FACULTY and students at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick have expressed deep shock at the murder of newly-graduated student, Ashling Murphy.
The 23-year-old primary school teacher was attacked and died near the canal at around 4pm in Tullamore in County Offaly yesterday.
A man in his 40’s was arrested by Gardai and questioned in relation to her death.
In a statement, the faculty of Mary Immaculate College said “It is with profound sadness and shock that we learned of the untimely and tragic death of Ashling Murphy, who graduated from MIC as a primary teacher only three months ago.
“Aishling, a talented musician and performer, had just commenced her teaching career in Durrow National School, Co. Offaly, when her young and promising life was cruelly snatched away from her.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire MIC community go out to her family, friends, colleagues and students.”
President Eugene Wall also expressed his sympathies to Aishling’s family. “The entire MIC community is heartbroken and shocked to the core to hear of the tragic and senseless killing,” he said.
Gardaí believe the attack was random and it happened while the young woman was out exercising.
The attacker fled after two women came upon him. The women were able to give a detailed description of the attacker to Gardaí.
Detectives believe people were in the area at the time of the attack, some of whom may have witnessed the crime.
They say it is vital that these people or anyone with any information come forward.
