Jenny Poole's dad pays tribute to his murdered daughter one year one from her tragic death

Joe Poole posted the picture of himself at Jenny’s graveside alongside the words: “One year on Jennifer and I’m still in no man’s land and lost. Till we meet again RIP baba girl xxx love dad.”

Ms Poole (24) was stabbed to death at her first floor apartment in Melville Drive, Finglas, north Dublin, at around 2pm on April 17 last year.

Neighbours raised the alarm and emergency services attended the scene before she was rushed to Connolly Hospital where she died a short time later.

Earlier this month, Gavin Murphy, with address at Coultry Drive, Ballymun, Dublin 9, pleaded guilty to her murder at the Central Criminal Court.

Speaking to sundayworld.com, local councillor Keith Connolly said there was a “tinge of sadness" in the community one year later.

“We remember Jenny as such a young life lost over a year ago and we especially remember her young children who I believe her mother is now looking after," Cllr Connolly said.

"Any tragic killing can last in people's memories for quite some time and since then we have had a second death through domestic violence in the area.

"It’s hard to forget such an awful attack, on a young person from such a big family, who were heavily involved in the local GAA club and other circles in the community as well.

"It’s obviously on people’s minds. it’s still there. “

Cllr Connolly praised Jenny's brother Jason, "who has done an awful lot of work advocating for better sentencing for domestic violence".

“I know he spoke at a National Women's Council event and he has met a number of high profile politicians about strengthening legislation.

"He’s also spoken at a number of vigils. So Jason has really taken it upon himself to advocate for better legislation around domestic violence and for more support for women who find themselves in this situation.”

Cllr Connolly referred to new laws that mean a single incident of oppression could be deemed stalking by the courts, potentially earning the offender a 10-year jail sentence.

“There has been some start to strengthening the laws through making stalking now a standalone piece of legislation so that’s one improvement that is welcome.

“I'm sure there will be plenty more to come to ensure that women feel safer in their home.

“We actually had a presentation on domestic violence by Chief Superintendent Finbarr Murphy who would be a strong advocate in this area. He actually set up a specialised operation in Ballymun and in other districts in the country dealing exclusively with domestic violence.

"Sadly, I think this issue has become a larger one, certainly though Covid as people were forced to stay at home, and perhaps it highlighted some issues that maybe we weren't as openly aware of before.

"Domestic violence is a big issue in the country but as I said, yesterday's legislation that was passed was just one step but I believe there will be further improvements.

"And that is something that I certainly would hope to pursue with the relevant ministers and politicians."