“A special girl”: Ashling Murphy’s parents pay tribute to their daughter

"She was just a special girl"

The parents of Ashling Murphy have spoken out about their daughter's harrowing death. Her grief-stricken parents Kathleen and Raymond said their youngest daughter was "a special girl". They remembered her as a talented musician, driven worker, and a "brilliant girl". Speaking to The Independent, her mum revealed that Ashling always said, "Mam, I love you" before leaving their home in the morning. Her father shared, "She was just a special girl. She’s the youngest, a little angel." “She was a brilliant girl in every sense of the word," he added. Her family said Ashling "crammed so much into her short life". “She was a great worker, with great drive. A marvellous musician. She played with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí all over Ireland and all over the UK on the tours. She was in their youth choir and senior orchestra." Ashling's boyfriend Ryan, who was with her for 5 years, is devastated by her tragic passing. Ashling's mum shared, "She loved her boyfriend Ryan who she was with for five years. He’s heartbroken.” The family said Ashling was their "rock". "She was a beautiful girl, she was just the best," they said. “She was so soft and gentle." It's impossible to imagine what Ashling's parents and loved ones are going through. Losing their 23-year-old daughter in such a horrifying and cruel way is simply unfathomable. We're keeping them in our thoughts and prayers, always. Gardaí are continuing their investigation into Ashling Murphy's death. Last night, they confirmed a 40-year-old man in custody was "no longer a suspect". Anyone with information should contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600. Witnesses can also contact Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Gardaí promised they will leave no stone unturned until they find Ashling's killer.