An army chaplain who was stabbed at Renmore Barracks in Galway in 2024 has been 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.
He was awarded 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 were also recognised for their actions on the night of the attack.
Pte Shanahan was awarded the distinguished service medal with merit for her actions.
She had been on guard duty at time, immediately alerted the Barrack Guard and attempted the deter the attack while being unarmed.
The Defence Forces said Guard Commander Cpl Padden and Barrack Guard member Pte Geraghty "responded rapidly" by issuing verbal warnings and warning shots.
Pte Geraghty, who tackled the attacker, was awarded the distinguished service medal, with honour.
Cpl Padden, who maintained a defensive position while being prepared to escalate force if necessary, was given a distinguished service medal with distinction.
Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said: "I am immensely proud of these soldiers. Their conduct brings great pride to their unit, An Chéad Chathlán Coisithe, and to the Defence Forces as a whole and it reinforces the trust placed in us by the people we serve."
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.
Additional reporting PA
