Father Murphy (52) said he was “doing well” after being stabbed five times outside the barracks.Boy (17) arrested in connection with attackArmed forces personnel had to wrestle the suspect to the groundSoldiers fired warning shots into the air to prevent the suspect from further injuring the cleric
Fr Paul F Murphy, 52, suffered a number of serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his arms in the incident, which took place outside Renmore Barracks just before 11pm last night. Speaking from hospital, where he is recovering, Fr Murphy said he was “awaiting surgery” and assured his parish and friends he was doing well.
A 16-year-old Irish teenager has been arrested in connection with the attack and is currently being questioned at a Galway police station. His search warrant has recently been extended.
Police are investigating whether the teenager made comments about the Irish Army's involvement in the Middle East at the scene of the stabbing before being taken away by police.
According to the Gardaí, the Special Detective Unit is involved in the investigation and must establish, among other things, whether the attack had a terrorist motive.
Members of the armed forces fired several warning shots last night in an attempt to prevent the teenage suspect from further injuring the spiritual counselor.
“Appropriate safeguards have been put in place in this incident,” a source told the Irish Independent.
Several shots were fired into the air before three members of the armed forces managed to wrestle the suspect to the ground and arrest him. The police armed support unit arrived on the scene shortly afterwards.
According to sources, police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
Father Paul F Murphy
The wounded chaplain worked for decades with the Irish Defence Forces and has served on a number of missions abroad.
In a statement on social media, Father Murphy said: “Friends, thank you for your prayers, love and concern. I am sorry I cannot respond to all the messages and take all the calls that come my way. I am doing well; I am just waiting for surgery. All will be well.”
The wounded chaplain worked for decades with the Irish Defence Forces and has served on a number of missions abroad.
Today's News in 90 Seconds – August 16
According to military sources, the attack has caused “huge shock” as the chaplain is “very highly regarded and well-known” within the organisation.
In his statement, Tánaiste Micheál Martin condemned the attack.
“I condemn the violent attack on Renmore Barracks last night,” the Fianna Fáil leader said on X.
“I would like to compliment the members of the armed forces who were serving at the time. Their intervention was crucial.
“Our thoughts are with the member of the armed forces injured in the attack,” he added.
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Bishop of Galway Michael Duignan said: “The news of the attack on a Catholic priest, currently serving as a chaplain with the Irish Defence Forces in Galway, is deeply shocking and disturbing.
“I pray for the wounded man and ask God that he will make a full recovery. I also pray for his family, for his army colleagues and for the medical staff who are currently treating his injuries.”
The Gardaí issued a statement about the incident this morning.
Police are investigating an attack that took place at Renmore Army Barracks in Galway on Thursday 15 August 2024.
Gardaí, including members of the Garda Armed Support Unit, responded to the incident at around 10.45pm.
“A man (50) suffered a number of stab wounds during the incident. He was taken to University Hospital Galway for treatment for injuries that are serious but not life-threatening.
“A male youth (teenage) was detained by members of the armed forces and arrested at the scene by Gardaí.
The male youth is currently being held at a police station in the Northwest region.
“The crime scene has currently been preserved and a technical examination will be carried out today by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.
“The investigation is still ongoing,” a spokesperson said.
More to come…