Gardaí investigate potential terrorism motivation in army chaplain attack

Gardaí are investigating a potential terrorism motivation in an attack on a chaplain at an army barracks in Co Galway.

Fr Paul Murphy, who is aged in his 50s, was stabbed a number of times and is being treated for injuries that are serious but not life-threatening, gardaí said.

The army chaplain was attacked outside Renmore Barracks on Thursday at about 10.45pm and rushed to University Hospital Galway.

The chaplain was approached by a youth outside the barracks. The chaplain then ran through the barracks gate and was followed by the youth.

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A spokesman for the Defence Forces said that shots were fired by on-duty personnel after the chaplain was attacked.

A male youth, aged in his teens, was restrained by members of the Defence Forces and arrested by gardaí at the scene.

In a statement, gardai said it is continuing to investigate all the circumstances of the incident.

“The special detective unit of An Garda Síochána is involved in this investigation,” they said.

“One line of inquiry is to establish if this attack had a terrorism motivation.”

They added: “The suspect remains in detention and is being questioned in a garda station in the north western region. Their period of detention has recently been extended.

“An Garda Siochana wishes to reassure the public that at this time it is not believed this incident is part of a wider conspiracy.

“A thorough investigation is underway and all relevant Bureaux have been engaged and are active in progressing this investigation.

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

In a Facebook post, Fr Murphy said: “Friends, thank you 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 okay; just awaiting surgery.

“All will be well.”

In a statement, Bishop Michael Duignan said: “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.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said his thoughts are with the member of the Defence Forces in hospital.

“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 Gardai for their action and response,” he posted on the social network X.

Tanaiste, and Minister for Defence, Micheal Martin also condemned the attack.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Defence Forces confirmed shots were fired by on-duty Defence Forces personnel.

“This action was taken in strict accordance with force protection protocols after a Defence Forces member was assaulted by a male civilian,” they said.

“The soldiers on duty responded to the immediate threat with appropriate force to ensure the safety of personnel and secure the area.

“The assailant was quickly detained and handed over to An Garda Síochána, who are now conducting a full investigation into the incident.

“The injured Defence Forces member was provided with immediate first aid at the scene before being transported to hospital for further treatment. We can confirm that the victims injuries, while serious, are not life-threatening.

“The Defence Forces are committed to the safety and security of all personnel and will continue to cooperate fully with gardai in their investigation.”