Teenager arrested after army chaplain stabbed outside barracks
A teenager has been arrested after an army chaplain was viciously stabbed outside Renmore Barracks in County Galway. The incident, which occurred late Thursday night, has left the chaplain, a man in his 50s, with serious injuries. However, his condition is not believed to be life-threatening.
The attack took place around 10:45 p.m. when the chaplain, later identified as Fr Paul Murphy, was approached by a young male outside the barracks. According to eyewitness accounts, the youth launched an unprovoked attack on Fr Murphy, stabbing him multiple times. In a bid to escape his assailant, the chaplain ran through the barracks gate, but the youth pursued him.
“The chaplain was suddenly confronted by this young man outside the barracks,” a Defence Forces spokesman said. “Despite the chaplain’s efforts to get to safety, the assailant followed him through the gate, where he continued the attack.”
Upon hearing the commotion, on-duty Defence Forces personnel quickly intervened. Warning shots were fired as part of the effort to neutralize the threat, and the teenage suspect was restrained and subsequently arrested by Gardaí at the scene.
“The soldiers on duty responded to the immediate threat with appropriate force to ensure the safety of personnel and secure the area,” the Defence Forces spokesman explained. “The assailant was quickly detained and handed over to An Garda Síochána, who are now conducting a full investigation into the incident.”
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Fr Murphy was immediately given first aid by Defence Forces personnel before being rushed to University Hospital Galway for further treatment. Later, in a Facebook post, the injured chaplain expressed his gratitude to the public for their prayers and concern.
“Friends, thank you for your prayers, love, and concern,” Fr Murphy wrote. “Sorry that I can’t reply to all messages and take all the calls coming my way. I’m doing okay; just awaiting surgery. All will be well.”
Gardaí have confirmed that the teenager, now in custody at a Garda station in the northwestern region, is being detained as part of an ongoing investigation. The area around the barracks has been cordoned off, and a technical examination of the scene is being conducted by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.
Bishop Michael Duignan of Galway, expressing his shock and sadness at the news, issued a heartfelt statement: “News of the assault on a Catholic priest, who is presently serving as chaplain to the Irish Defence Forces in Galway, is deeply shocking and upsetting. I pray for the injured man, asking God that he would make a full recovery. I pray too for his family, for his army colleagues, and for the medical personnel who are tending to his injuries at this time.”
The incident has drawn condemnation from the highest levels of government. Taoiseach Simon Harris took to social media to express his concern: “I have been briefed on the shocking incident outside Renmore Barracks last night, and my thoughts are with the member of the Defence Forces in hospital. I want to thank Defence Forces personnel and Gardaí for their action and response.”
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin also condemned the attack, emphasizing the bravery of the soldiers who intervened. “I condemn the violent attack at Renmore Barracks last night,” he stated on X (formerly Twitter). “I commend the members of the Defence Forces on duty at the time, whose intervention was critical. Our thoughts are with the Defence Forces member injured in the attack.”
The Defence Forces have reaffirmed their commitment to the safety and security of all personnel, pledging full cooperation with the Gardaí as the investigation continues. “The Defence Forces are committed to the safety and security of all personnel and will continue to cooperate fully with Gardaí in their investigation,” the spokesman concluded.
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