Eithne takes up challenge in memory of Ashling Murphy

A CASTLEDERG woman horrified by the brutal murder of Tullamore woman Ashling Murphy earlier this year decided to take up a running challenge in her memory.

Eithne Gallagher pledged to run 100km over the course of a month to honour Ms Murphy, attacked in broad daylight while out running herself. Josef Puska (31) has been accused of her murder.

Explaining the idea behind the challenge, Eithne said, “Ashling Murphy’s murder was absolutely horrible, and I had to do something. The idea behind my runs was to highlight the gender issues which exist all over Ireland. It is tragic and terrible that women cannot do something as simple as go for a run without the fear of being attacked. Fear has been instilled in women all over this island and it must stop. This is not the type of society in which we should have to live.”

Along with her husband Gerard and members of the Caisleán na Deirge Naomh Eoghan GAA club in the Derg, Eithne started her challenge on January 16.

Eithne admits running such distances is not something she is used to it,

“No, it’s fair to say I’m definitely not a runner,” she smiles, “I would have played football in my younger years but with a busy career and three young children, running would not have been something on my daily agenda.

“Our usual walking routes take us around Castlederg, whether it be around the town, up by the GAA grounds or around the castle. Because of my busy day schedule, the only time it’s possible to go out walking is at night, usually when its dark.

“People will obviously say that is dangerous to do, especially with violence against women prevalent on the news, and that’s understandable.

“However, I feel that walking at night only reinforces the idea that women should not be afraid to go out walking at any time and have the right to feel safe,” she said.

Ahead of schedule Eithne and her team completed the 100km on Saturday. And she’s not stopping there, as Eithne explains, this initial challenge was only a stepping stone to a wider project.

“It is my hope I can instigate a support group for the area, highlighting gender issues in and around women’s safety. It’s about getting people on board and engaging with the community to ensure that everyone can live in a place where they can be safe. I would urge anyone interested in being part of it to get involved.”