Over €50,000 presented to local groups from Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund

The memorial fund which was set up in memory of Ashling Murphy recently presented donations totalling more than €50,000 to four local community groups.

Announcing the cheque presentations in a social media post, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund said the recipients had been chosen because of their roles in enhancing "the traditional Irish Arts, culture, heritage and science" within the community.

Donations to groups in the late teacher's native Offaly consisted of €40,000 to Ballyboy Community Development and Tidy Towns, €5,500 to Killoughey Community Centre, and €4,000 to Ballyboy Comhaltas.

A presentation of €1,000 was also made to Spink Comhaltas, which promotes traditional Irish music and dance across Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny and Kildare.

Ashling's parents, Raymond and Kathleen, and her sister Amy, were among those in attendance for the cheque presentations.

The fund also said it had been pleased to present €5,000 in support of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann when it was staged in Mullingar last summer.

"Honouring the legacy of our dear Ashling has always been the main purpose since establishing the memorial fund in her name," read the statement from the fund.

"Recently, the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund began to honour Ashling by officially approving, with an official presentation, our first round of funding applications submitted by various groups and organisations."

It added that the donations would not be possible without "the continuous support of all who have and continue to donate, and to the many kind-hearted people who have undertaken fundraisers in Ashling's memory.

"We sincerely appreciate your support and generosity," the fund's statement added.

Further information on seeking funding, donating, or hosting a fundraiser is available on the official iDonate webpage of the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund.