Police investigating the murder of Irish schoolteacher Ashling Murphy have arrested a man in his 30s.
The suspect was detained on suspicion of murder by officers on Tuesday after being treated in a Dublin hospital for a range of injuries.
The man has a partner and young children, according to Irish media reports.
The development in the murder investigation came as hundreds turned out to pay their respects at Murphy’s funeral in the village of Mountbolus, County Offaly.
Addressing people packed into St Brigid’s Catholic Church, Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan called her murder a “depraved act of violence”.
He said the killing of the young woman while out jogging by a canal had caused a nightmare for her community.
Her death has intensified debate about women’s safety and prompted calls for more to be done to tackle gender-based violence. Over the past week vigils were held in Ireland and abroad, similar to the scenes that took place in the aftermath of Sarah Everard’s murder in England last year.
Sombre gatherings took place in London, Dubai, New York, Brisbane and Edinburgh to remember Murphy, a talented musician.
Children who were taught by Murphy formed a guard of honour as the hearse brought her coffin to the church, each holding a photo of the victim.
“The past few days have been a nightmare,” Mr Deenihan told mourners.
“A walk on a mild and sunny afternoon in January should be a happy event, promising the brighter and warmer days of spring and summer.
“That, as we know, was not the case.
“A depraved act of violence which deprived a kind, talented, loved and admired young woman of her life has since united the country in grief and in support.
“The crime has also asked questions of ourselves and of our society.
“It has questioned our attitudes and, particularly, our attitudes towards women, and it has questioned too our values and our morality.
“Whether those questions will be addressed or passed over remains to be seen, but we cannot allow such violence and disregard for human life and bodily integrity to take root in our time and culture.”
Irish President Michael D Higgins and Prime Minister Micheal Martin were among those who attended the funeral.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin were also at the church.
Symbols of Murphy’s life were brought to the altar during her mass, including a fiddle, a jersey from a local camogie club, a family photograph, a school book and a portrait of the victim.
Parish priest Michael Meade said Murphy’s family had been “robbed of your most precious gift”.
“A gift that gave only joy and love, fun and laughter to many, many beyond yourselves and bounds of your own home,” Fr Meade said.
“Let us not be afraid to make change a reality in all our lives, change for what only is good.
“Together we grieve, we pray, we hurt — this is the heavy price we pay for love — we gather as a family of faith, to be with, to support by our prayer and our presence, those whose darkness is deep, whose pain is raw and fierce.
“The issues raised in many ways and by many voices since this horrible act of violence invaded all our lives will, we pray, continue to evolve and bring the change we need so much.
“Not to talk about it but to simply give and show respect.”
Simon Coveney, Ireland’s foreign minister, said Murphy’s death had caused sadness to descend on the entire country.
“Such sadness across the country today as people think of and support Ashling’s family and friends through this nightmare,” he tweeted.
“Support each other, respect each other, as best we can through this outpouring of grief.”
The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe
Cyclists must wear a helmet, arm and knee pads
Have a white front-light and a back red-light on their bike
They must place a number plate with reflective light to the back of the bike to alert road-users
Avoid carrying weights that could cause the bike to lose balance
They must cycle on designated lanes and areas and ride safe on pavements to avoid bumping into pedestrians
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Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
- 1st Test India won by 304 runs at Galle
- 2nd Test Thursday-Monday at Colombo
- 3rd Test August 12-16 at Pallekele
Episode list:
Ep1: A recovery like no other- the unevenness of the economic recovery
Ep2: PCR and jobs - the future of work - new trends and challenges
Ep3: The recovery and global trade disruptions - globalisation post-pandemic
Ep4: Inflation- services and goods - debt risks
Ep5: Travel and tourism
Who is Allegra Stratton?
- Previously worked at The Guardian, BBC’s Newsnight programme and ITV News
- Took up a public relations role for Chancellor Rishi Sunak in April 2020
- In October 2020 she was hired to lead No 10’s planned daily televised press briefings
- The idea was later scrapped and she was appointed spokeswoman for Cop26
- Ms Stratton, 41, is married to James Forsyth, the political editor of The Spectator
- She has strong connections to the Conservative establishment
- Mr Sunak served as best man at her 2011 wedding to Mr Forsyth
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
