Ashling Murphy: Mourners line the streets for the teacher
- Published
The funeral of primary school teacher Ashling Murphy has taken place in County Offaly in the Republic of Ireland.
Crowds, including schoolchildren holding pictures of Ms Murphy, lined the streets as the cortege made its way to St Brigid's Church, Mountbolus.
Her death has shocked the nation and tens of thousands of people have attended vigils in Ireland and further afield in her honour.
Mourners came out in force to pay their respects to the talented primary school teacher.
There has been an outpouring of grief and shock across the island of Ireland since Ms Murphy's death. The 23 year old was killed while out exercising on the towpath of the Grand Canal outside Tullamore on Wednesday afternoon.
Pupils from Durrow National School form a guard of honour for their beloved teacher.
Ms Murphy's family, including her sister Amy, were pictured comforting one another.
Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin was among the political dignitaries who came to pay their respects.
Rain did not stop the mourners, including these girls in the colours of Ms Murphy's Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) club, where she played camogie.
Other Kilcormac Killoughey camogie teammates provided a sea of colour on a dark day.
Ms Murphy was a talented fiddle player and her fellow musicians lined the route of the funeral procession and gave her a fitting send-off.
Before Mass began, Irish President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina hugged Ms Murphy's parents Raymond and Kathleen, her sister Amy, brother Cathal and boyfriend Ryan. The service, which was livestreamed, featured traditional Irish singers and musicians.
During the service, mourners were told a "depraved act of violence" which deprived Ms Murphy of her life has united the country in grief and support.
Other tributes to Ashling Murphy were held around Ireland - schools held a minute's silence and artist Sean Corcoran created this piece of sand art in Waterford.
All pictures are subject to copyright.
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