A book of condolence remains open in the Athlone civic centre as members of the local public continue to express their grief following the murder of the County Offaly native last week.
Expressing his sympathies to the Murphy family, Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Frankie Keena, stated that he was numb with shock upon hearing the devastating news.
“I am just numb, shocked, saddened and angry with what happened to this young woman as she went out for her daily exercise after work on the greenway along the Canal in Tullamore and was attacked in such a vicious way.
“This was a brutal murder of a young primary school teacher who had so much to offer in life through her professional career, exuberant personality and musical talents. The entire country remains stunned by this senseless and horrific act.
“I would like to extend my deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to her family & friends, my heart goes out to them, said Cllr. Keena.
“There is a need to discuss the impact of this terrible murder on wider society and the fact that even before this happened some women did not feel safe day or night when simply going for a walk, stroll or jog on their own. This vicious attack in broad daylight has now increased this fear one hundred-fold and therefore every effort needs to be made by the Government and various statutory bodies to address this matter.
To be honest it should not have taken for a young woman to lose her life before the powers to be react. Our justice system, probation service, judicial system, social welfare system, local authorities, education system, all need to contribute to a collective debate and work together to find a solution to help women feel safe.
“Over the last number of years fabulous greenways and walking trails have been provided to encourage people to take up exercising to keep healthy. I do hope that the public will continue to use these excellent facilities and try and put this fear out of their mind. I do acknowledge that it will be difficult, and it will take time,” Cllr Keena concluded.
This book of condolence will be available for signing by the public until tomorrow, Friday, January 21.
