Vigils to be held throughout Mayo in memory of Ashling Murphy
Two elected members of Mayo County Council have issued invitations to the public to attend vigils as a mark of tribute and a show of solidarity to the victim of the fatal assault in Tullamore, 23-year-old teacher Ashling Murphy.
Councillor Donna Sheridan said Aisling was the victim of the most horrific crime.
"It broad daylight while she was out for a run. My heart goes out to Ashling, her family and all those who loved her.
"As a woman I know only too well that nervous feeling when out walking alone in the evening, going to the car in a dark car park or walking alone in a area you just don't feel 100% safe.
"Please join me and the Castlebar Community Clean Up at Lough Lannagh this evening at 6.30 p.m., where so many of us walk and run, to remember Ashling."
The cathaoirleach of Ballina Municipal District, Councillor Annie May Reape, extending an open invitation to join with her and others on Saturday evening to pay respects to Ashling.
She said: "We will gather at 7 p.m. at the River Moy across from St. Muredach's Cathedral.
"Bring candles or use the torch on your phones to light up the sky for Aisling as we remain silent for one minute and remember her and all the female victims of violence.
"We ask you wear your appropriate face masks and maintain social distancing.
"My deep appreciation to the organisers.
"May Ashling's gentle, beautiful soul rest in peace."
A walk will take place this evening at 7 p.m. in Louisburgh to remember Ashling and those attending are asked to meet up at the Sancta Maria College.
The NoName Club from Crossmolina will hold a vigil at the lake this evening at 7 p.m. in memory of Ashling.
Fr. Francis Judge will say a prayer and attendees are asked to adhere to social distancing.
A candlelit prayer vigil will take place around the Mall River in Westport this evening at 8 p.m. in memory of Ashling and in solidarity with all who have the right to exercise safely.
Candles will be provided and attendees are asked to space out and keep their distance.
The community in Kitimagh will gather at 6 p.m. this evening (Friday) in the Sculpture Park in memory of Ashling. Please bring a candle and wear a face mask.
A vigil will take place at the Plaza at Knock at 7 p.m. tonight (Friday).
On Saturday at 3 p.m., there will be a socially distanced vigil on Market Square, Castlebar. Organisers have asked people to come out and show solidarity.
Tomorrow evening at 6pm a candle lit vigil will take place at the Pier in Enniscrone in solidarity with Aisling and her family.
Meanwhile, An Garda Síochána is continuing to investigate the fatal assault that occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, along the canal bank at Cappincur, Tullamore, County Offaly.
An Garda Síochána issued an appeal for any information on a Falcon Storm mountain bike with straight handlebars and distinctive yellow/ green front forks
Gardaí appeal for any person with any information on this fatal assault, who may not already have spoken to investigators, to come forward with that information.
Gardaí appeal to any persons that were in the Cappincur/Canal walk on Wednesday afternoon to make contact with them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
The male who was earlier arrested and detained by An Garda Síochána investigating the fatal assault on Ashling Murphy has been eliminated from garda enquiries and is no longer a suspect.
The man has been released from detention.