Ashling Murphy has been remembered as a kind, talented, loved and admired young woman.

The funeral mass for the 23-year-old took place earlier at St Brigid's Church in Mountbolus, with burial afterwards in Lowertown Cemetery.

The President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Michael Martin, Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Education Minister Norma Foley and Arts Minister Catherine Martin were among the mourners in Co Offaly.

Mourners arriving to St Brigid's Church, Mountbolus in Co Offaly, before the funeral mass of Ashling Murphy. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Her 1st 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.

First class students from Durrow National School outside St Brigid's Church, Mountbolus in Co Offaly - holding pictures of their teacher Ashling Murphy. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Members of the Kilcormac/Killoughey senior camogie team also joined a guard of honour, as hundreds of mourners came to pay their respects.

Her colleagues and friends played music throughout the mass.

Chief Celebrant Fr Michael Meade began the mass by describing the offerings brought to the alter by some of Ashling's family members.

"We have a musical instrument, representing her great love of music and how she shared it with so many, and taught so many.

"We have a family photograph - family was everything - and we have a jersey from Kilcormac/Killoughey, a jersey she wore with pride".

Students from Durrow National School outside St Brigid's Church, Mountbolus in Co Offaly - holding pictures of their teacher Ashling Murphy. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo / Niall Carson

Ashling's cousin, Ciara Leonard, paid tribute to her through a Prayer of the Faithful.

"Ashling epitomised the beauty of life, and shared her passion, gifts and talents with others so generously.

"We pray for her friends, colleagues and students - may Ashling's legacy live in the hearts of all she touched".

The hearse passing crowds of well-wishers and students from Durrow National School as it arrives outside St Brigid's Church, Mountbolus, Co Offaly, for the funeral of Ashling Murphy. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Bishop Tom Deenihan also addressed the congregation, and spoke of the importance of respecting one another.

"We all know that no individual should die like Ashling, and no family should suffer like Ashling's are now.

"Respect is an old-fashioned word, but it is an important one.

"Respect was missing last Wednesday, but it has re-emerged here I think all the stronger.

"Let us respect each other".

Reporting by: Stephen Murphy (Offaly), Kacey O'Riordan (Dublin) and Jack Quann (Dublin)

Main image: The hearse passing crowds of well-wishers and students from Durrow National School as it arrives outside St Brigid's Church, Mountbolus, Co Offaly, for the funeral of Ashling Murphy. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie