An army chaplain who was stabbed multiple times by a teenager outside a barracks will be awarded a medal for distinguished service, along with three other soldiers who came to his aid during the incident in 2024.
The teenager, who was 16 at the time of the stabbing, pleaded guilty last year to attempting to murder Fr Paul Murphy by stabbing him multiple times at Renmore Barracks in Co Galway on 15 August 2024.
The boy was subsequently sentenced to ten years detention with the final two years suspended.
Corporal Daniel Padden, Private Dylan Geraghty and Private Ciara Shanahan will receive medals for distinguished service for their reaction to the incident.
"The swift and courageous action of the members of Oglaigh na hÉireann ensured no loss of life occurred and demonstrated exceptional bravery and professionalism under extreme pressure," a spokesperson said in a statement.
On the night of the attack, Fr Murphy had been returning to the barracks at around 10.45pm after going for a swim when the boy approached his car and asked to talk to him.
As soon as Fr Murphy lowered his window, the boy lunged at him with a hunting knife and began stabbing him repeatedly, hanging on to the side of the vehicle as it drove through the gates.
Óglaigh na hÉireann said Pte Shanahan, who was on gate duty, "immediately alerted the Barrack Guard and proceeded to attempt to deter the attacker, all whilst being unarmed".
"The Guard Commander, Corporal Daniel Padden accompanied by another member of the Barrack Guard, Private Dylan Geraghty responded rapidly, by issuing verbal warnings followed by warning shots, before Private Geraghty tackled the assailant and removed the threat from Fr Murphy while Cpl Padden maintained a defensive position ready to escalate force if necessary.
"Simultaneously, other personnel arrived and provided swift medical aid to Fr Murphy, immobilised the attacker, notified gardaí and secured the scene."
Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said he was "immensely proud of these soldiers".
He added: "Their conduct brings great pride, to their unit, An Chéad Chathlán Coisithe (the 1st Infantry Battalion), and to the Defence Forces as a whole, and it reinforces the trust placed in us by the people we serve."
Lt Gen Mulcahy also said the awarding of the medals "is fitting and well-deserved recognition of their courage".
"Their actions exemplify the very highest standards of Óglaigh na hÉireann. In a moment of extreme danger, they acted decisively, selflessly and with complete regard for the protection of life.
"This outcome is a direct reflection of the rigorous training, discipline and values instilled in our personnel throughout their careers," he said.
In a victim impact statement last year, Fr Murphy told the court that he was the best-placed person to "take the knife that night".
He said he thanked God every single day that the knife tore through his skin and "not through the body of one of my comrades".
He said he considered it an honour and a privilege to carry the scars until his dying day.
When the boy's home was searched, a poster with Arabic writing saying 'Allahu Akbar' or' God is Great' was found, as well as an Islamic State flag and a notebook with writing and graphic sketches depicting beheadings.
The boy denied that the sketches were his.
The court heard he had converted to Islam at the age of 15 and regularly attended Friday prayers at a mosque in Galway.
The boy, who was 16 at the time, supported the so-called Islamic State terrorist group and had been radicalised online, the court was told.
In interviews, the boy claimed to have no real recollection of the incident but apologised saying he did not realise the man he had stabbed was a priest.
He said he had mental health problems, including depression and anger, adding: "I don't know what made me do it".
Fr Murphy told the boy he forgave him and hoped he would learn a better way of living.
He spoke to the boy after the court proceedings were adjourned last year and hugged him as the boy apologised to him.
The Distinguished Service Medals will be awarded by the Minister for Defence Helen McEntee next month at a ceremony in Renmore Barracks.
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