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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Kevin Taylor

Moving tributes paid to Ashling Murphy at sports grounds across Ireland

Tributes to Ashling Murphy have been paid at GAA grounds, rugby matches and racecourses across Ireland this weekend.

Following the shocking murder of the 23-year-old Offaly woman on Wednesday, spectators, players and officials around the country observed periods of silence.

A photo of Murphy was displayed at The Sportsground in Galway at half-time during Connacht's Champions Cup rugby clash with Leicester Tigers.

Tributes were also paid at the RDS during Leinster's win over Montpellier, while periods of silence were observed before men's and women's GAA matches at inter-county and club levels.

Following Munster's Champions Cup rugby win over Castres in France on Friday evening, captain Peter O'Mahony opened up about the 'sombre' mood in the Reds dressing room.

"Given everything that has happened at home, there is a bit of a sombre mood in the dressing room, after what's gone on," he said.

"We weren't able to be part of all the tributes and vigils for Ashling Murphy, at home, [after] the shocking act that happened. Look, she was part of our community in Limerick, having gone to Mary I.

Old Belvedere players observe a minutes silence in honour of the late Ashling Murphy Energia All-Ireland Women's League Division 1 match against Blackrock College (©INPHO/Bryan Keane)
Jockeys stand for a minute's silence in memory of Ashling Murphy before racing at Punchestown (©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan)
Austin Stacks players stand for a minute silence in memory of Ashling Murphy (©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo)

"I'm sure everyone's thoughts are with her family and, on behalf of everyone in the dressing room and everyone at Munster, our thoughts are with Ashling's family, and with her extended family and friends."

Thousands turned out at vigils held across the country in Ashling’s memory this weekend, as the entire country struggles to come to terms with the horrific murder.

Murphy's family attended one near the scene of the killing at the canal bank at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on Wednesday at around 4pm.

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