Heartbreaking.

A mass is set to take place this evening to mark the first anniversary of Ashling Murphy's tragic death. The 23 year old was sadly killed last year in Tullamore, Co Offaly while she was out for a run after finishing work in her teaching job. Posting online last night, Ashling's partner Ryan Casey paid tribute to his girlfriend, posting a heartfelt post about how much he misses her. Posting to the memorial fund page, Ryan said: "No matter how fast time may pass, there isn’t a single second that goes by where my heart doesn’t ache for you." He went on to say say that Ashling is his reason to get up every morning that the only reason he has continued on in his career since her passing. "Everything I have done and everything that I do is completely for you," he said. "I love and miss you so much Ash. Forever my soulmate" the post read. In a statement posted on social media last weekend, Ashling's family thanked the public for the support they've received over the last year. It read: "The endless support received from many individuals, groups, and organisations that Ashling was strongly a part of during her short 23 years was truly amazing." They also said that a memorial fund has now been set to honour the legacy of Ashling, in hopes for "the further enhancement, development and the advancements of The Traditional Irish Arts, Culture and Heritage for young people". The donations from this and fundraisers are to be used to achieve objectives that are "deemed close to Ashling's heart and represent the many interests she had in her 23 years". "Ashling was fully committed to everything she put her hand to, she was highly motivated and always believed in following her dreams" the statement added. "Ashling's parents, Raymond and Kathleen, are so grateful to everyone who continue to remember Ashling for who she really was by carrying on the great legacies she left behind. Ashling’s name will live on forever." The family has now appealed for privacy as they still process this enormous grief. A man has been charged in relation to Ashling Murphy’s death and the matter is before the courts.

Related links:

• Trial date set for Jozef Puska, man accused Ashling Murphy's murder
• Ashling Murphy's family set up concert in her memory
• Tribute paid to Ashling Murphy in St Brigid’s Day light celebration