Ireland: Thousands remember dead 23

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Vigil for the Dead Woman: "An Epidemic of Violence Against Women"

PHOTO: CLODAGH KILCOYNE / REUTERS

The alleged murder of a young woman has sparked nationwide expressions of grief in Ireland.

Thousands of people commemorated the 23-year-old at vigils in several cities in Ireland and in the British part of Northern Ireland.

The woman went for a jog on a popular canal path in her hometown of Tullamore on Wednesday.

A man is said to have attacked her.

Police believe the attack was accidental.

The murder shocked the country, and around 100 vigils were organized.

A minute's silence was held outside Dublin Parliament at 4:30 p.m., at the time of the alleged crime.

In Tullamore, shops and cafes closed earlier than usual on Friday. Many mourners gathered in a park.

Prime Minister Micheál Martin attended a commemoration in the Irish capital.

The murder of the teacher united the country "in solidarity and disgust," Martin said.

Suspect unable to be questioned

Police have their sights set on a suspect who is being treated at a hospital for injuries.

There is no further information about the cause of these injuries at this time.

A 40-year-old man had previously been arrested and released, the media reported.

The crime has sparked debate about women's safety on the island of Ireland.

“There is an epidemic of violence against women.

It's been like this for thousands of years," said Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.

jpz/dpa/Reuters