Jozef Puska has been found guilty of the murder of Ashling Murphy.
The defendant, of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly was mostly unmoved in the dock, and had his head down as the verdict was delivered before the Central Criminal Court.
After their deliberations – the jury of 9 men and 3 women returned the guilty verdict.
Friends and family of Ashling Murphy applauded as the Jury was dismissed by the judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt.
He will be handed a mandatory life sentence, with a sentencing hearing to take place next week.
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Justice Minister Helen McEntee says her thoughts are with Ashling's family and friends: "My thoughts today are with Ray, Kathleen, Cathal, Amy, Ryan and all of Ashling’s family and friends.
"None of us can comprehend the grief and loss they carry every day.
"Their beautiful daughter, sister and friend, a young woman with so much to offer the world, was taken from them.
"Ashling’s murder shocked us all. It moved us to action, demanding an end to violence against women.
"Our determination to achieve that grows stronger every day. For Ashling, and in painful memory of so many other women who have been killed and those who suffer still.
"I would like to express my gratitude to the members of An Garda Síochána, our emergency services who responded to the scene, and all those throughout the criminal justice system who have persevered with the prosecution of this most difficult case.
"But today, we think of Ashling’s family and the communities of Mountbulus, Blueball, Tullamore and her school community in Durrow
"Their lives have been changed forever. Ashling should still be at their side, but I know the warmth of her spirit will never leave them."
"Tragic"
Women’s Aid has welcomed the conviction of Josef Puska for the murder of Ashling Murphy, with the following statement: "The murder of Ashling Murphy was a shocking example of dangers posed to women and the case put a spotlight on the inherent risk of male violence in society. Every woman should have the right to be safe, both in their own homes and in their communities.
"Since 1996, when Women’s Aid began recording the violent deaths of women in Ireland, 263 lives have been lost due to violence and abuse. Each woman killed violently is an outrage.
"An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind. 263 women whose voices have been silenced through violence, and whose boundless potential was robbed of them and their loved ones.
"One man goes to jail today, but this will not bring Aisling back or compensate for her heart-rending loss. Effective criminal justice sanctions are vital, and we truly hope this offers some measure of justice and closure to Aisling’s family and friends.
"However, prevention of such violence is also crucial. Women’s Aid hope that the deep social resonance this violent crime, and the violence that has stolen the lives of 262 other women since 1996 will not be squandered. This should spur us on, in all aspects of Irish society, to do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all. to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence - now and for our future generations."
