THE trial for the murder of Ashling Murphy will begin in two weeks.
Pre-trial proceedings began yesterday at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.
Josef Puska (32), of Lynally Grove, in Mucklagh, County Offaly, is charged with murdering the 23-year-old.
Ms Murphy, who worked as a teacher, was attacked while she was out running in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, in January last year.
The trial for the murder of Ashling Murphy begins in two weeksA popular teacher, who taught first class pupils in Durrow National School, also known as Scoil Naomh Colmcille, she was well-known in traditional music circles and a member of her local Comhaltas group.
The pre-trial proceedings now underway are due to take two weeks to complete, at which point a jury will be sworn in for the murder trial – which is expected to last a total of six weeks.
The trial will begin later this month, during which a Slovakian translator will be provided for Mr Puska.
