Gym in Naas, Kildare offering self-defense lessons following the murder of Ashling Murphy

Unit 3, a gym in the industrial area of ​​Naas, offers free self-defense classes for women after the murder of Ashling Murphywhich have been fully booked.

Boxing trainer Niall Barrett, who previously starred in RTÉ’s Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week, explained: “We were all deeply saddened by what happened to Ashling Murphy so we wanted to do something to help our local community.

“We are hosting three free women-only boxing classes on Saturday, January 22.”

He continued: “We want to make it clear however that we in no way blame Ashling for not being strong enough to defend himself: the blame lies entirely with the man who committed this terrible crime and the other men who commit violence against women.

“We just want to create a safe space where women can feel empowered and create a sense of community,” he concluded.

Mr Barrett said that although classes are all sold out, Unit 3 offers adult boxing classes at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, in addition to teen boxing classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6 p.m. .

“If there are women who missed the free class, we can offer them a free class during one of these sessions this week,” he added.