Forever missed: Ashling Murphy remembered at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

The contribution to traditional music made by Offaly's Ashling Murphy is being remembered in the programme for this year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, which is currently underway in Wexford.

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, which was set up in memory of the late schoolteacher, said it was delighted to be supporting this year's Fleadh.

"We wish Wexford Fleadh every success with the events planned this week and best wishes to all competitors too!" it stated.

The charity also shared, online, a page from this year's Fleadh programme which honours Ashling and outlines the work being done by the memorial fund.

"Ashling played an integral part in Fleadhanna Cheoil every year," stated the article.

"From participating in Fleadhanna Cheoil at county, provincial and All Ireland competitions to tutoring fiddle and tin whistle students, Grúpai Cheoil and Céilí Band, she always had great success.

"Ashling's musical presence at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be forever missed."

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund was set up with the main aim of enhancing and developing traditional Irish culture for young people. Its work can be supported through its iDonate page here.

Meanwhile, a busking fundraiser in Galway, during the Galway Races, raised more than €1,100 for the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund last week.

"Well done to Meghan Corrigan and all the fantastic musicians and dancers that came together to busk on Shop Street during Galway Race Week last Thursday. A total of €1,147.82 was raised thanks to the generosity of many," stated the memorial fund in a social media post.

"This fundraising event embellished everything that Ashling valued in life - her love of music, a sense of togetherness and a passion for entertaining others.

"No doubt Ashling would be very proud of all that honoured her in this way."

The Offaly Society of New York has also chosen The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund as the beneficiary of its annual golf outing, which will take place in Yonkers, New York, on Friday, August 23.