A priest was stabbed outside an army barracks in Galway, in an attack that has rocked the traditionally Catholic nation. Source: Crux.
Reports indicate that Fr Paul Murphy, an army chaplain aged in his 50s, was attacked on Thursday by a teenage boy, who was then restrained by soldiers and arrested.
In a statement, the Irish Defence Forces said 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.
“The injured Defence Forces member [Fr Murphy] 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 statement said.
In a post on Facebook, 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.”
Waterford & Lismore Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan said he felt compelled to address the community “with both sorrow and resolve.”
“The stabbing that occurred at the army barracks has left us all in shock and mourning. It is essential to come together as a community during this difficult time,” he said.
“First and foremost, I unequivocally condemn this act of violence. Such behaviour is unacceptable in any form and goes against the very tenets of our faith, which teaches us to love one another and to seek peace.
“Violence begets violence, and we must strive for understanding and compassion rather than resorting to harm.”
The boy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, appeared in court on Friday, BreakingNews.ie reported.
Detective Sergeant Paul McNulty told the court the attack was “frenzied” and police believe the accused holds a “radical Islamist mindset”.
The boy was remanded in custody and will appear again by videolink tomorrow. The judge directed that the boy have access to appropriate medical and psychological care.
FULL STORY
Irish military chaplain stabbed multiple times by teenager outside barracks (By Charles Collins, Crux)
Teen accused of stabbing Army chaplain may have ‘radical Islamist mindset’, court told (By Cillian Sherlock, BreakingNews.ie)
