Teenager arrested after stabbing in Irish barracks

An army chaplain was stabbed multiple times in an attack at Renmore Barracks in County Galway.

Father Paul Murphy, 50, was taken to Galway University Hospital. His injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening.

In a Facebook post, the Irish Defence Forces chaplain thanked the public for their prayers and said he was awaiting surgery.

Gardaí (Irish police) said a teenager was detained by soldiers and then arrested. They also said a terrorist motive was part of the investigation.

A special unit of the criminal police is involved in the investigation.

“At this time, it is not believed that this incident is part of a larger conspiracy,” police added.

Father Murphy was approached and attacked by the youths in front of the barracks.

The chaplain then entered the barracks through the gate, followed by the young people.

The injured priest received first aid from the staff on duty.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported that the priest had undergone surgery for his injuries.

The defense forces said warning shots were fired during the incident.

“The soldiers on duty responded to the immediate threat with appropriate force to ensure the safety of personnel and secure the area,” they said.

“The attacker was quickly arrested and handed over to An Garda Síochána.

“The injured member of the armed forces was given immediate first aid on site before being taken to hospital for further treatment.”

Members of the Garda Armed Support Unit were also dispatched to the incident on Thursday evening.

Irish Prime Minister Taoiseach Simon Harris described the incident as “shocking”.

“My thoughts are with the member of the armed forces in hospital. I would like to thank the armed forces and the Gardaí for their actions and response,” he said.

Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland) and Defence Minister Micheál Martin condemned the attack.

“I would like to pay tribute to the members of the armed forces who were deployed at the time and whose intervention was crucial.

“Our thoughts are with the member of the defence forces who was injured in the attack.”

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said her “first thoughts are with Father Paul Murphy” and she wished him a speedy recovery.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to the members of the defence forces who courageously intervened on the ground,” she added.

The Bishop of Galway, Reverend Michael Duignan, said the news of the attack was “deeply shocking and disturbing”.

He said he would pray for the full recovery of the injured man, as well as for his family, fellow army officers and medical staff.