Teen charged with attempted murder of Irish Army chaplain in Co Galway

A 16-year-old boy - who cannot be named as he is a minor - has been charged with the attempted murder and assault of Father Paul F. Murphy, who endured stab wounds at Renmore Army Barracks in Co Galway on August 15.

The teen had been charged with assault causing harm in August, but that charge has now been upgraded to attempted murder.

The Irish Times reports that the teen is charged with the attempted murder of Fr Murphy, as well as intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Fr Murphy.

The teen was previously charged with assault causing harm to Fr Murphy but today, following an application from the State, Judge Mary Fahy struck out that charge.

In court, Detective Garda Conor Breen of Galway Garda station said he arrested the accused for the purposes of charge at Galway courthouse at 12:25 pm.

The court heard that the teen, who was accompanied by his father and solicitor, made no reply to the charges.

Sergeant Joanne McGhee told the court the DPP has directed trial on indictment in the Central Criminal Court.

Judge Fahy noted that due to the nature of the charges, an application for bail could not be made in the District Court.

The accused was remanded to Oberstown detention centre to appear via video link in court on October 16.

An Garda Síochána said on August 16 that they were investigating all circumstances of a "serious assault" that occurred the night prior 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.

Father Murphy, aged in his 50s, received a number of stab wounds and was taken to University Hospital Galway for treatment of injuries that were described as 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.

An Garda Síochána said in a subsequent update 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 the time, "it is not believed this incident is part of a wider conspiracy" and that a "thorough investigation is underway."

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."

The morning after the incident, Murphy took to social media, thankful for the "prayers, love, and concern."

He 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."

Meanwhile, the Defence Forces confirmed that shots were fired by on-duty personnel during the incident at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Co Galway.

"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.