Three years on since the launch of the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund on January 6th, 2023, Nollaig na mBan, we pause to reflect with gratitude on the impact of the fund achieved to date, made possible by the extraordinary support shown in Ashling’s memory.

As with every year since her tragic loss in 2022, the 2025 year began by remembering Ashling. We were deeply moved by the large gatherings at her anniversary Mass in Mountbolus and the commemorative walk to the Grand Canal memorial shrine. We sincerely thank everyone who attended, sent messages, mass cards, supported these events in any way and remembered Ashling in your own areas.

We look forward to coming together again this year for Ashling’s anniversary Mass on Sunday 11th January 2026 in Mountbolus Church for 9.30am mass and the commemorative walk in Tullamore on Monday, January 12th, meeting at 3pm. People in attendance at this event are asked to congregate at the Fiona Pender memorial statue or at Digby bridge. Individuals, clubs and communities are warmly invited to join us in remembering Ashling through their own walks, runs or events around her anniversary.

Ashling was a much-loved person by her family and friends, a kind and caring múinteoir, musician and sportsperson, with a deep love for Irish culture, language and community. In her memory, the Fund has continued to support the areas of traditional Irish art, music and heritage, which were close to her heart.

In 2025, with your support, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund continued Ashling’s legacy by;

• Supporting local and national traditional music festivals including Tullamore TradFest, Fiddler of Dooney, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Fleadh Cheoil Laighean, Uíbh Fhailí and Laois.

• Awarded 2 music scholarships to worthy young fiddle players who will have the opportunity to attend Meitheal Immersive Summer Music School.
• Provided funding for Comhaltas branches across the Midlands to add to their instrument banks which we hope many young children will benefit from for years to come as they find their interest learning an instrument.
•  Awarded two fully funded Gaeltacht scholarships, with eight more to follow this year to young people in 2nd year, TY or 5th year of secondary school wishing to enhance their Irish language.
• Over €25,000 was awarded to primary and post-primary schools nationwide for the purchase of musical instruments & sensory room equipment, establishment of nurture room settings, resourcing to support STEM education, installation of outdoor benches for pupils and supporting the implementation of an evidence based programme to support young children affected by early developmental disruption.
• Funded local soccer, football and camogie clubs for the purchase of equipment.
•  Awarded €10,000 to community centres for facility upgrades to benefit many generations to come.
• Awarded €10,000 to Victim Support at Court, which is an incredible voluntary service that provides support to families during the court process.

None of this would be possible without the countless fundraisers held in Ashling’s memory - from busking and sea swims to charity walks, runs, marathons, school fundraisers, raffles, golf classics and fiddle recitals. Every effort, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. We are forever grateful to all who continue to honour Ashling through their generosity.

 The Ashling Murphy 4 Miler, was held on May 11th, 2025 in Tullamore and once again saw an incredible turnout of runners, walkers and supporters of all ages. The perpetual Ashling Murphy Trophy was presented to first-place lady winner, Hannah Steed. This event hosted by the incredible crew at Offaly Athletics continues to embody everything Ashling stood for - a sense of positivity, community spirit and a willingness to support. We look forward to the next 4 Miler event on May 17th 2026.

 Highlights of the year also included our first attendance at the National Ploughing Championships and the launch of Gaeltacht scholarships for students in 2nd year, TY and 5th year

 December concluded with the Ashling Murphy Memorial Day in Tullamore - a day filled with live music, monster raffle, community support, funding presentations and a moving moment of silence in Ashling’s honour. We are incredibly grateful to the Bridge Centre Tullamore Management team, sponsors of raffle prizes, and to all who supported us in making the day such a success.

We remain overwhelmed by the continued outpouring of support from people across Ireland and beyond ~ many of whom never met Ashling, yet continue to carry her memory close and keep her name and legacy alive.

With your support, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund continues to nurture the Traditional Irish Arts, Culture and Heritage - ensuring Ashling’s legacy lives on in the lives of young people for generations to come. One of Ashling's favourite and most used seanfhocal says it all: "Mol an Óige agus Tiocfaidh Siad"

 Further information on the work of the fund, making a donation, undertaking a fundraising, applying for a Gaeltacht Scholarship or seeking funding is available at www.AshlingMurphy.com or
 ashlingmurphymemorialfund@gmail.com