A Clare father, whose daughter was murdered almost two decades ago, has expressed hope that Ashling Murphy’s killer will be brought to justice quickly.
Gardai have said they believe “huge progress” has been made in the investigation into the murder of the 23-year-old primary school teacher in recent days.
Her murder has led to calls for changes in legislation to prevent those accused of violent crime from being released on bail.
The investigation into Ashling’s murder has gathered pace over the weekend.
The 23-year-old, who graduated from Mary Immaculate College just three months ago, was attacked and killed while going for a run along the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore last Wednesday.
A number of houses in Dublin and Offaly have been searched and Garda divers remain at the canal where she was attacked to look for any weapon that was used.
A key focus of the investigation is the man currently in hospital, who has links to the Tullamore area.
His DNA is being checked against samples taken from the scene.
Kevin Doyle, head of news at Independent News and Media, says Gardai are hoping to question the man in hospital as soon as possible:
Ennistymon man Johnny O’Loughlin, who’s now living in Inagh, lost his daughter Emer following her murder in 2005.
No-one was ever convicted in connection with her death.
He says there’s not a day that passes that he doens’t think of his daughter and he hopes that Ashling Murphy’s family will receive the closure they deserve.
Asling Murphy’s death has led to calls in Clare for changes in the law to prevent people accused of violent crime from being released on bail while court cases are pending.
Hundreds of people across this county paid tribute to the late school teacher at a number of different vigils over the weekend.
Speaking at an event in Ennis in memory of Ashling, Clare Women’s Network member Ellen Walsh Kerley says the current system prevents women coming forward.
Ashling’s funeral will take place in Mountbolus, Co. Offaly at 11 o’clock tomorrow morning.
