Gardaí Probe Potential For Terror Link After Priest Stabbing Attack

Gardaí are working to establish whether a stabbing in Galway last night was motivated by terrorism.

An army chaplain in his 50s was stabbed several times at Renmore Barracks at 10.45pm.

Defence Forces members fired a number of warning shots, and a teenage boy was restrained and subsequently arrested by Gardaí.

Fr. Paul Murphy is being treated at University Hospital Galway for non-life threatening injuries, while the teenager remains in custody.

Gardaí are reassuring the public that, at this time, the incident is not believed to be part of a wider conspiracy.

Terrorism

In a statement, gardaí said that the Special Detective Unit investigating one line of enquiry to establish if the attack had a terrorism motivation.

At Renmore Army Barracks, Galway, on Thursday Gardaí, including members of the Garda Armed Support Unit, responded to the incident at approximately 10.45pm.

Fr. Murphy, who is in his 50s, and from Waterford has expressed gratitude for those who wished him well on social media:

“Friends, thanks for your prayers, love and concern. Sorry that I can’t reply to all messages and take all the calls coming my way.”

“I’m doing ok, just awaiting surgery,” added Fr Murphy.

“All will be well,” he concluded.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has described the incident as “shocking.”

“My thoughts are with the member of the Defence Forces in hospital. I want to thank the Defence Forces and gardaí for their action and response,” he said.

Tánaiste (and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin condemned the attack.

“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 can confirm that an incident occurred last night at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Co. Galway, where shots were fired by on-duty personnel. This action was taken in strict accordance with established force protection protocols after a Defence Forces Chaplain was… pic.twitter.com/BDpC3j0Wug

— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) August 16, 2024