The guard stationed at the portal of Renmore Barracks in Galway city is receiving applauds for his ‘quick and decisive action’ regarding the stabbing incident that took place on Thursday.
Following the ‘Defence Forces’ code of conduct, the sentry discharged five warning shots from his Steyr rifle into the air before confronting the adolescent. He then utilised his baton to pacify and keep hold of the boy until the time gardaí, featuring officials from the Armed Support Unit, turned up.
Lieut Gen Seán Clancy, who is currently serving as the Chief of Staff for the Defence Forces, conveyed his utmost respect to Fr Paul F. Murphy and admired the ‘quick and decisive action’ executed by the personnel of Defence Forces. Gen Clancy applauded their professionalism which ensured the immediate control of a perilous situation, thus preserving the safety of others around. “Their actions played a pivotal role in stopping further disasters or loss of lives,” Gen Clancy declared.
Fr Paul normally conducts Mass in St Patrick’s Garrison Church, a quaint establishment beloved for weddings and also patronised by the local dwellers. St Oliver Plunkett Church, the main parish church, is situated less than a kilometre away from here.
One of the choir members for the past 40 years, Kitty Wheatley, expressed her shock after hearing about the incident. She mentioned that Fr Murphy had been a well-received and familiar figure among the community. “He’s been with us for 12 years and is adored by everyone. What has happened has left us all in shock,” she noted.
The usual Mass at St Patrick’s Garrison Church was not held on the Friday or Saturday morning this week, leading many regulars to remain unaware of the assault until much later in the day.
Some neighbourhood folks, on arriving at the scene, chose not to remark on the incident but prayed for Fr Murphy’s quick and comprehensive recovery.
Apart from this, another guard stationed at the Barracks’ entrance had a bustling day, as personnel continually entered and departed.
Fr Paul F Murphy, the military cleric who was stabbed, is perceived as a hands-on priest. Subsequent to the shocking incident, his vehicle, situated within the compound and concealed beneath a tarp, was conveyed in the afternoon by a lorry for a comprehensive study by Garda criminologists.
Taoiseach Simon Harris announced his review of this horrifying episode, expressing sympathy and acknowledgement to Fr Murphy, the Defence Forces staff and police for their quick response. In the same vein, Tánaiste and Defence Minister Micheál Martin reproached the assault whilst praising the prompt action of the on-duty Defence Forces members, which he referred to as crucial. Micheál highlighted his concerns about the Defence Forces colleague harmed during the ordeal.
Consequently, Justice Minister Helen McEntee expressed her well wishes for a hasty recuperation for Fr Murphy. The incident also saw criticism from the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO), who deemed it a brutal, unpremeditated assault on their Chaplain, Fr Murphy, prompting fear and disgust within ranks of the Defence Forces. The members on duty at Renmore Barracks, instrumental in saving Fr Murphy’s life, were also acknowledged and thanked.
Bishop Michael Duignan of Galway described reports of the attack on the Catholic cleric as both deeply disturbing and shocking. Duignan pleaded for divine healing for the wounded chaplain and support for his family, his military colleagues and the medical staff tending to his injuries.