Updated: 07.55
A 31-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Ashling Murphy.
The 23-year-old schoolteacher was attacked and killed while out running on the Grand Canal near Tullamore on January 12th.
At Tullamore District Court on Wednesday evening, 31-year-old Jozef Puska of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, County Offaly was charged with her murder.
The Slovakian national appeared in court in a matching grey tracksuit and blue disposable face mask.
The court heard that, when he was charged at Tullamore Garda station and asked if he wanted to make a reply, he said: “No.”
Some family supporters were let into the courtroom and they held framed pictures of Ashling.
A large crowd gathered outside Tullamore District Court following the appearance of Jozef Puska (31) of Lynally Grove Mucklagh Co Offaly pic.twitter.com/pQEbQNn6hd
— Kacey O'Riordan (@KaceyORiordan) January 19, 2022
A Slovakian interpreter was provided for the accused.
Defence Solicitor Eoin Lysaght applied for free legal aid and the court was told he receives €200 disability allowance per week.
Judge Catherine Staines remanded Mr Puska in custody to appear again at Cloverhill District Court on January 26th.
An angry crowd gathered outside Tullamore District Court as Jozef Puska of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh County Offaly was taken into custody, 19-01-2022. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNewsHe was arrested by Gardaí at a Dublin hospital on Tuesday afternoon.
He was taken to Tullamore Garda station, where he was charged.
A second man arrested as part of the investigation has been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the DPP.
It comes just days after the 23-year-old musician and schoolteacher was laid to rest in her native Offaly.
At her funeral service in Mountbolus she was remembered as a kind, talented, loved and admired young woman.
Her First-Class pupils from Durrow National School formed a guard of honour outside the church, and each held a red rose and a photo of their teacher as the cortege arrived.
The killing has sent shockwaves through the country, with vigils held all over Ireland and beyond in the days since.
Additional reporting Michael Staines