Terror motive explored as army chaplain stabbed outside Renmore barracks in Co Galway
Defence minister Michael Martin condemns the attack and thanks defence forces for their “critical” intervention.
Terrorism is a line of inquiry after an army chaplain was stabbed in Ireland, police have confirmed.
A teenage boy was arrested after Thursday night’s attack outside Renmore barracks in Co Galway.
Father Paul F Murphy said he was “doing okay” in a message on social media.
“Friends, thank you for your prayers, love, and concern,” he wrote.
“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.”
Police said “one line of enquiry is to establish if this attack had a terrorism motivation”.
However, they currently don’t think it is part of a wider conspiracy.
Father Murphy was stabbed a number of times and is being treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries.
He was attacked at about 10.45pm on Thursday and taken to University Hospital Galway.
The teenager was arrested after being restrained by members of the military and remains in custody at a Garda station.
Ireland’s Defence Forces confirmed shots were fired by on-duty personnel in response to the attack.
The scene has been cordoned off while forensic examinations take place.
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Ireland’s defence minister Michael Martin said in a statement: “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.”
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A spokesperson for Ireland’s Defence Forces said it could confirm an incident “where shots were fired by on duty Defence Forces personnel”.
“This action was taken in strict accordance with force protection protocols after a Defence Forces member was assaulted by a male civilian,” the spokesperson added.
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“The soldiers on duty responded to the immediate threat with appropriate force to ensure the safety of personnel and secure the area.
“The assailant was quickly detained and handed over to An Garda Siochana, who are now conducting a full investigation into the incident.
“The injured Defence Forces member was provided with immediate first aid at the scene before being transported to hospital for further treatment.
“We can confirm that the victim’s injuries while serious, are not life-threatening.”
In a separate case, a man was charged with attempted murder last month after an army officer was stabbed near a barracks in Gillingham, Kent.
