A woman killed after she was knifed in a random attack while out jogging in Co Offaly yesterday has been named.
She was named locally as Ashling Murphy – a 22-year-old teacher who taught at Durrow National School.
A man in his 40s is still being detained in connection with the murder.
Ashling was attacked along the banks of the Grand Canal at Cappincur at around 4pm.
Gardaí believe the attack was random and that Ms Murphy did not know the attacker.
The attacker fled after two women came upon the attack. The women were able to give a detailed description of the attacker to gardaí.
The sense of shock in Tullamore and the midlands is palpable following the murder.
After finishing teaching for the day, Ms Murphy had been out exercising – something she did regularly – on a route known as Fiona’s Way – in memory of missing woman Fiona Pender.
A traditional musician from a musical family, she was well-known in the midlands and in music circles all over the country.
Detectives believe people were in the area at the time, some of whom may have witnessed the crime.
They say it is vital that these people or anyone with any information come forward.
A man, who was arrested away from the scene a short time later, remains in garda custody in Tullamore. He can be questioned for a total of 24 hours.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said her thoughts were with Ms Murphy’s family, who she said, was “killed in a truly shocking crime”.
