Offaly murder victim's musical spirit will inspire us for years to come – Comhaltas

A warm tribute to the late Ashling Murphy, the late talented traditional musician, has been paid by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

In the current edition of its magazine, Treoir, the organisation said all in Comhaltas and the world of traditional music were shocked by Ashling's untimely death.

In a tribute entitled 'A bright light has been dimmed', she is described as an exceptionally talented young lady who made an unforgettable impression on all who had the good fortune to know her.

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Ashling was among the finest exponents of the concertina and fiddle and was also learning the uilleann pipes.

She featured in Comhaltas concert tours and was also a valued member of the Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra of Ireland.

“We know that she and her family are at the heart of our local community. She was a much-loved school teacher and had so much to offer in so many ways.”

The tribute said the brutal manner of her death has “left us numbed and bewildered.”

“The suffering of her family at the loss of such a young and beautiful person is beyond understanding. We share their grief and we will always remember Ashling as one who enriched our lives with her warm personality, uplifting music making, compassionate, outgoing and generous friendship.