Gardai have announced that they have arrested a man aged in his 30s on suspicion of the murder of Ashling Murphy.
The 23-year-old Offaly primary school teacher was murdered in Tullamore on Wednesday when she was out for a run.
Gardai confirmed the news just shortly after 2.30pm this afternoon.
They say: “Gardaí investigating the fatal assault on Ashling Murphy that occurred at approximately 4pm on Wednesday, 12th January, 2022, along the canal bank at Cappincur, Tullamore, County Offaly have arrested a male in his 30s on suspicion of murder.
“The male is now detained in Tullamore Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
“An Garda Síochána has no further comment at this time.”
The arrest comes just a short time after the late Ms Murphy was laid to rest.
Earlier today, President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Micheal Martin joined mourners at Ashling Murphy’s funeral.
Her parents Raymond and Kathleen, her sister Amy, brother Cathal and boyfriend Ryan were among the chief mourners at her funeral mass at St Brigid’s Church in Mountbolus.
Symbols of Ms Murphy’s life were brought to the altar, including a fiddle, a Kilcormac/Killoughey camogie jersey, a family picture, a school book and her photo.
Ashling Murphy was later be laid to rest in the nearby Lowertown cemetery.
SEE ALSO – Laois hairdressers set to host Women’s Aid fundraiser in memory of Aisling Murphy
