Galway army chaplain "doing okay" after stabbing incident at barracks

Father Paul Murphy, who received a number of stab wounds during an incident at Renmore Army Barracks in Co Galway last night, August 15, said in an update that he is "doing okay."

"Friends, thank you for your prayers, love, and concern," Father Murphy said in a post on social media on Friday morning.

"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."

An Garda Síochána said on Friday that they are continuing to investigate all circumstances of a "serious assault" that occurred last night at Renmore Army Barracks in Co Galway.

Gardaí, including members of the Garda Armed Support Unit, responded to the incident at approximately 10:45 pm last night.

Father Murphy, aged in his 50s, received a number of stab wounds and was taken to University Hospital Galway for treatment of injuries that are serious but not life-threatening.

A male in his teens was restrained by members of the Defence Forces and arrested by Gardaí at the scene.

The suspect remains in detention and is being questioned in a Garda station in the North Western region. Their period of detection has recently been extended.

The scene was preserved and a technical examination will be carried out on Friday by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.

An Garda Síochána said in an update later on Friday that the Special Detective Unit of An Garda Síochána is involved in the investigation.

"One line of enquiry is to establish if this attack had a terrorism motivation," An Garda Síochána said, adding that at this time, "it is not believed this incident is part of a wider conspiracy" and that a "thorough investigation is underway."

The Garda Commissioner has spoken to the Defence Forces Chief of Staff and wishes the injured Defence Forces member a full and speedy recovery.

On social media, An Garda Síochána encouraged everyone to "independently verify the details that they may read online or receive through messaging apps in reference to this incident."

We encourage everyone to independently verify the details that they may read online or receive through messaging apps in reference to this incident.

Thank you. pic.twitter.com/AweE4okc2O

— Garda Info (@gardainfo) August 16, 2024

Meanwhile, the Defence Forces confirmed on Friday that during last night's incident at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Co Galway, 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 stabbed by a male civilian while awaiting entry to the barracks," the Defence Forces said.

"Upon witnessing the assault, the soldiers on duty responded swiftly and appropriately to the immediate threat, using necessary force to ensure the safety of all personnel and to secure the area.

"This included the firing of live ammunition as Warning Shots."

The Defence Forces said the assailant was promptly detained and handed over to An Garda Síochána upon their arrival.

The injured Defence Forces member received immediate first aid from Defence Forces personnel on duty before being transported to hospital for further treatment.

"We are relieved to report that while the victim’s injuries are serious, they are not life-threatening," the Defence Forces said.

Chief of Staff of Óglaigh na hÉireann, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, said: “Our thoughts are with our injured comrade, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.

"The well-being of our personnel is our utmost priority, and we will continue to support him during this time.”

Lieutenant General Clancy also commended the actions of the soldiers on duty, stating: “The swift and decisive response by our personnel last night was exemplary, and in keeping with the highest standards of the Defence Forces and our values.

"Their professionalism ensured that a dangerous situation was quickly brought under control, protecting the lives of others in the vicinity.

"There is no doubt that their actions were critical in preventing further harm or loss of life.”

Clancy said the Defence Forces are grateful to An Garda Síochána and will cooperate with their efforts.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said he has been briefed on the "shocking" incident and that his thoughts are with Fr Paul Murphy.

Tanaiste Micheál Martin, Ireland's Minister for Defence, condemned the attack and commended those who intervened.

I condemn the violent attack at Renmore Barracks last night.
 
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.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) August 16, 2024