A terror motive is being investigated after a teenage boy was arrested following an incident at an army barracks in Galway last night, in which a man in his 50s was stabbed a number of times and seriously injured.
An army chaplain was stabbed in the incident at Renmore Barracks, which occurred at around 10.45pm.
In a statement, gardaí said that the Special Detective Unit is involved in the investigation and one line of enquiry is to establish if the attack had a terrorism motivation.
The chaplain was taken to University Hospital Galway, where his injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.
In a post on Facebook this morning, Fr Paul Murphy thanked the public for their prayers.
He has been through surgery and is comfortable. It is understood family members are by his bedside.
A teenage boy was restrained by members of the Defence Forces at the scene, before being arrested by gardaí.
He is being held at a garda station in the North Western Region and has had his period of detention extended.
Gardaí believe the incident is not part of a wider conspiracy.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has spoken to Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy and has wished the chaplain a "full and speedy recovery".
In a statement, the Defence Forces confirmed that an incident occurred at the barracks and that warning shots were fired by on-duty personnel "in strict accordance with force protection protocols after a Defence Forces member was assaulted by a male civilian".
Lt Gen Clancy said their thoughts are with the army chaplain.
"The well-being of our personnel is our utmost priority, and we will continue to support him during this time," he said.
"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," he said.
Lt Gen Clancy added: "We are grateful to An Garda Síochána for their rapid response and ongoing assistance in the investigation.
"We will continue to cooperate fully with their efforts to bring this matter to a thorough and just conclusion."
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin condemned the "violent attack" on the priest and thanked Defence Forces personnel for their swift response to what happened.
In a message on X, the Tánaiste said: "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."
Locals in the area described what happened as shocking, given the area is normally very quiet.
"I heard what sounded like three high-powered shots. I live close to the barracks so it wouldn't be unusual to hear shots because there's a firing range behind the barracks. But it was after dark, which is unusual," said local man Max Kelly.
"Then I heard sirens soon after and woke up shocked to hear a priest we all know in the neighbourhood was injured."
"This is a very quiet, peaceful area, there's a lot of older people here" said Kitty Wheatley, who added Fr Murphy is "a lovely man".
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
Michael John Melia said locals could "never in their wildest dreams" have predicted something like this would happen.
Mark Keane, President of PDFORRA, said that members of the Defence Forces are "very saddened" at the "horrific attack", and that their "thoughts and prayers are with" Fr Murphy.
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One, Mr Keane said that Fr Murphy has over ten year's service with the batallion in Galway, and has also served on "many trip" overseas.
As an army chaplain, Fr Murphy's contribution is "vital" and not confined to spiritual concerns.
"We are a military family. So, they are with us through the good times, the bad times. Overseas, when we deploy."
That attack took place outside the barracks is "of grave concern", Mr Keane said, but also pointed to the reaction of army personnel which "saved two lives".
Their training "paid dividends", he added.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
The scene at Renmore Barracks has been preserved and a technical examination will be carried out by the Garda Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit.
Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.
Waterford TD Matt Shanahan said he was "shocked" to hear of the attack on Fr Murphy, adding that the prompt intervention by authorities prevented "a far greater tragedy".
Shocked to hear of attack in Galway on #Waterford priest and army chaplain Fr. Paul Murphy. Thanks due to army sentries for their prompt intervention undoubtedly preventing a far greater tragedy. I wish Paul a speedy recovery - thoughts & prayers from his wider Waterford family! pic.twitter.com/b8oQEfvkr8
— Matt Shanahan TD (Ind) 🇮🇪 🇺🇦 🇪🇺 (@MattShanahanTD) August 16, 2024
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee also paid tribute to the Defence Forces personnel who "intervened bravely" at Renmore Barracks.
In a statement, Ms McEntee said her "first thoughts" are with Fr Murphy and that she hopes he makes "a full recovery".
The minister said as the suspect is now in garda custody, it would not be appropriate to comment further.
Ms McEntee's full statement reads: "My first thoughts are with Fr Paul Murphy, and I wish him a speedy recovery.
"An Garda Síochána responded promptly last night, and the suspect is in Garda custody.
"I would also like to pay tribute to the members of the Defence Forces who intervened bravely at the scene.
"As this is a live Garda investigation, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time."
