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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
David Kent

Fleadh Cheoil pays touching tribute to Ashling Murphy in beautiful video with young teacher

The Fleadh Cheoil paid an emotional tribute to the late Ashling Murphy, with a touching performance and video airing on TG4 on Saturday evening.

Ashling was attacked and killed while she was out for a run along the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Offaly on January 12 of this year.

Her death stunned the nation, with thousands of people attending vigils for the 23-year-old in the aftermath- and at the first Fleadh Cheoil since her passing, a number of tributes were made in Mullingar.

READ MORE: Ashling Murphy's sister and boyfriend complete charity cycle in her memory ahead of 24th birthday

Ashling Murphy (TG4)

She was a talented musician, with the Fleadh and TG4 putting together a video in memory of her which aired on Saturday.

It featured clips of her performing, as well as an interview with her family members at their home in Offaly about her overall love of music.

Her sister Amy explained: "It was rare we missed out on Willie Clancy Music Festival, every summer we always tried to make it down there - and then back up for the Fleadh"

Ashling performing with her family (TG4)

Her father Raymond added: "We'd have groups up rehearsing here in the hall, and there'd be a celebration for Ashling's birthday as well in the middle of it."

Amy noted: "When Ashling passed away, the support we've had from our band (Ballyboy Ceoltas) was phenomenal. I don't think there's words to thank them. It's a huge void

Tullamore, Co Offaly - Murdered school teacher Ashling Murphys mother Kathleen Murphy , father Raymond Murphy and sister Amy Murphy comfort one another as they attend a candle lit vigil near the scene of her murder (Getty)

Raymond added: "She had so much more to give. What she done in her short 23 years, if she had another 23 years - what would she have achieved? It's our terrible loss."

What followed was a performance from the Ballyboy group, with both Raymond and Amy taking part.

The overall night and coverage was finished off by a tribute performance of Sweet Sixteen in memory of the teacher.

Viewers were left emotional by the video and performance, with many taking to social media to call it 'tear-jerking', touching and other saying they were left "bawling" by the clips.

Three Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann scholarships will be offered in memory of the young woman, which were presented at the Fleadh.

Jozef Puska, 31, of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, is charged with murdering Ashling.

He is scheduled to go on trial at the Central Criminal Court on June 6 next year, which is expected to last three to four weeks.

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