Gardaí investigate potential terrorist motivation in Galway barracks attack

August 16, 2024

Gardaí are investigating a potential terrorism motivation in an attack on a chaplain at an army barracks in Co Galway.

The victim, named as Fr Paul Murphy – who is aged in his 50s, was stabbed a number of times and is being treated for injuries that are serious but not life-threatening.

The army chaplain was attacked outside Renmore Barracks on Thursday at about 10:45pm and rushed to University Hospital Galway. Fr Murphy was approached by a youth outside the barracks and attacked. The chaplain then ran through the barracks gate and was followed by the youth.

A spokesperson for the Defence Forces said that live ammunition was fired by on-duty personnel as warning shots after he was attacked.

The injured priest received first aid from Defence Forces personnel on duty.

A male youth, aged in his teens, was restrained by members of the Defence Forces and arrested by gardaí at the scene.

In a statement, gardaí said it is continuing to investigate all the circumstances of the incident. “The special detective unit of An Garda Siochana is involved in this investigation, One line of inquiry is to establish if this attack had a terrorist motivation. An Garda Síochána wishes to reassure the public that at this time it is not believed this incident is part of a wider conspiracy. A thorough investigation is underway and all relevant Bureaux have been engaged and are active in progressing this investigation…”

In a Facebook post, 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.”