Children just like those taught by murdered school teacher Ashling Murphy were at the centre of a solemn candle-lit vigil in Enniskillen tonight (Friday) in her memory.
The 23 year-old was murdered in broad daylight on Wednesday evening in Tullamore, Co Offlay.
Finola Owens, Tradacad welcomed hundreds of people to Fermanagh House for the vigil. Musicians from the traditional music group led the vigil alongside other local musicians including members of the Tumbling Paddies and Nathan Carter.
There was a large gathering at Fermanagh House, Enniskillen on Friday 14th January for a candlelit vigil to remember Ashling Murphy. Finola Owens of Tradacad, who was one of the organisers, spoke at the vigil. Picture: Ronan McGrade
The traditional song 'The Dawning of the Day' was played by musicians and then Fr. Brian D'Arcy addressed those gathered.
There were tears in the eyes of many people as Fr.Bria said: "The life of Ashling Murphy will never be extinguished because of her goodness, her love, and her talents and how she shared those talents with her family, with her community, with Comhaltas all over the world, never mind all over the country, and with her boyfriend.
"We pray that Ashling will be in heaven this evening and the spirit from heaven is the spirit of the angels and the spirit of the angels will be with you tonight, blessing you and keeping you safe."
There was a large gathering at Fermanagh House, Enniskillen on Friday 14th January for a candlelit vigil to remember Ashling Murphy who was tragically murdered in Tullamore. Fr Brian D'Arcy spoke passionately at the vigil where members of Tradacad
The priest then made an emotional plea, he said: "One thing we must get clear. Everybody has a right to safety. Everybody has a right to respect whatever we do in society. Can we just do that from here this evening?
"That we would try to make society safe for anyone to go out and have a run or to go out and enjoy themselves, to go out and be respected, to go out and understand that they can come back safely without the horror of what happened to Ashling. We can do that, if we insist on respect and love for each and every one, from a child to the day we die."
There was a large gathering at Fermanagh House, Enniskillen on Friday 14th January for a candlelit vigil to remember Ashling Murphy. Picture: Ronan McGrade
A time of silence was kept for one minute, then musician John McCann, who had known Ashling, played a slow air.
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