Scholarship launch hears emotional tribute from president of Ashling Murphy's college

THE president of Mary Immaculate College (MIC) broke down briefly when he paid an emotional tribute to graduate Ashling Murphy.

A spontaneous round of applause broke out to support Professor Eugene Wall when he momentarily broke off his speech in front of hundreds of delegates at a teachers' conference in Tullamore where a college scholarship in memory of the young Offaly woman was launched.

Ashling Murphy was a teacher at Durrow National School when she was killed on the bank of the Grand Canal at Cappincur, Tullamore in January.

Her parents Ray and Kathleen were special guests at the launch of the Ashling Murphy Memorial Entrance Scholarship this afternoon (Friday, November 18) by Professor Wall and Irish National Teachers' Organisation president John Driscoll.

The principal of Durrow National School, James Hogan, was also present along with other school staff and their pupils played traditional music before the opening of the conference at the Tullamore Court Hotel.

Speaking at the launch, Professor Wall said when he attended the Blueball woman's funeral he promised her family the college would cherish her memory by creating an entrance scholarship in her honour.

He discussed it with the INTO and was delighted his college and the teachers' organisation could jointly create the scholarship for students wishing to study primary teaching.

Professor Wall became emotional when he recalled the candlelit vigil which was organised at MIC shortly after Ashling Murphy's death.

It took place close to the building where the 23-year-old teacher's graduation had taken place only four months earlier and was attended by the Murphy family.

The MIC president remembered walking to the sportsfield with Ray Murphy. “I was deeply apprehensive going down because I wanted there to be a big enough crowd there to honour Ashling's memory,” he said.

“I was very surprised to see there was over 1,000 people there. It was a deeply moving experience.

“I know it was very stressful for Ashling's family to be there but we certainly appreciated it.”

He said Ashling's death sent shockwaves throughout the entire nation and beyond and people contacted him from abroad and expressed their profound sadness.

Professor Wall repeated what he had said that night at the vigil, that Ashling had exemplified the qualities of what it means to be an excellent primary teacher.

“She was warm, caring, vivacious, conscientious and she was so lavishly talented.”

He said the entrance scholarship will attract highly talented individuals to teaching. “In this way we will continue to do as we promised, to cherish Ashling's memory in the years ahead.”

John Driscoll, INTO president said Ashling was “a wonderful and beautiful young teacher” who was a shining light with teaching, sporting and choral talents.

“She was a hugely generous person, sharing her skills and her knowledge, whilst always supporting her peers, her students and her teammates on and off the pitch,” said Mr Driscoll.

“I've no doubt Ashling will continue to inspire so many young people, including those considering pursuing a career in primary school teaching.”

He directly addressed the children from the Durrow National School traditional music group.

“I hope you realise the wonderful gift and talent that you have. And I urge you all to continue playing and practising your music and keep doing Ashling proud. I'm sure she'd be delighted to look at you.”

Durrow school principal Mr Hogan said the creation of the scholarship was very special and it will continue Ashling's legacy.

“It's lovely for the college and INTO to come together and embark on a journey with scholarships that can encourage younger teachers of all calibres to come to the college and the particular focus on music is special,” said Mr Hogan.

“It's what Ashling did. And she did it because of her love of it, her passion, her love of teaching, music. She was a natural leader, without her even knowing it.

“The scholarship will hopefully inspire more of her calibre of young teachers coming out of secondary school to go follow their career path and pass on talents to the younger generation which we saw in our trad group here today.”

The scholarship will be worth €4,000 to its recipient, a first year Bachelor of Education student.

It will be awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional achievement and talent in the field of traditional Irish music.

Applications for the scholarship will open on November 30 next.