An army chaplain who was stabbed at Renmore Barracks in Galway in 2024 is being awarded a medal for distinguished service, along with three other soldiers who came to his aid during the incident.
Fr Paul Murphy sustained a number of stab wounds after he was approached by an assailant near the entrance to the barracks on 15 August 2024.
He made a full recovery and returned to duty in the months afterwards.
A teenage boy was given a ten year sentence last year, after pleading guilty to the attempted murder of Fr Murphy at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, in Galway.
Fr Murphy told the boy he forgave him at the sentencing hearing and said he hoped he would be able to make a positive contribution to society on his release from prison.
Today, the priest will be given a Distinguished Service Medal, with merit, for personifying the core values of the Defence Forces during and after the incident.
Private Ciara Shanahan, Corporal Daniel Padden and Private Dylan Geraghty will also be recognised for their actions on the night of the attack.
They raised the alarm, attempted to deter and disarm the attacker and maintained defensive positions during the attack.
The army chaplain said he was grateful to receive the award and that he was particularly happy his three colleagues were being acknowledged, for the courage and bravery they showed.
