Now that Jozef Puska has been found guilty of murder, family and friends can honour Ashling Murphy’s memory in peace. 

That’s according to Associate Professor of Music Education at Mary Immaculate College Dr Ailbhe Kenny, who taught Ms Murphy a few short years ago. 

She told The Hard Shoulder it was a “great privilege to teach Ashling”. 

“She was one of these well-rounded students and was someone who gave her heart and soul to college life, both in music and in sport,” she said. 

“I'm thinking of the graduate class of 2021 and what they must be going through today, my heart goes out to them. 

“My heart goes out to Ashling's family and friends on what has been a very distressing trial, but I hope in some way, there is some consolation in justice being served today.” 

33-year-old Puska was found guilty of murdering Ms Murphy following a two-week trial and will be handed a mandatory life sentence. 

'Honouring Ashling's memory'

Dr Kenny said the verdict “will not bring Ashling back” but will hopefully offer friends and family “closure”. 

“It's now all about honouring Ashling's memory, remembering her,” she said. 

“It’s about remembering all the positivity she brought throughout her life and not about the brutal and tragic way she lost her life. 

“That's what we’d all like to focus on now.” 

Candles outside Dáil Éireann in Dublin at a National Women's Council vigil for Ashling Murphy on January 14th 2022. Image: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

Primary school teacher Laura became “best of friends” with Ms Murphy through music lessons growing up and said she was “still shaking” two hours after hearing the guilty verdict. 

“I don't know how to feel,” she said. “I’m so happy there’s justice for Ashling after all the lies and all the nonsense the past months. 

“Justice has been served for her and we can finally just remember Ashling and not that terrible person who did this to her.” 

'The bubbliest, funniest, nicest girl'

Laura said every time she thinks of Ashling now, she smiles. 

“She was the bubbliest, funniest, nicest girl going around,” she said. 

“The most easy-going girl I've ever met, and no one would have a bad thing to say about her. 

“We went our separate ways in some ways when we went to college, then she got a job locally and I got a job locally, we were texting to meet up and go for a walk. 

“Even after a few years of not seeing other much, there was a friendship to rekindle.” 

Listen back here: