Fr Paul F Murphy, a chaplain of the Defence Forces, suffered a brutal attack on Thursday evening at Renmore Barracks, leaving him seriously injured but in a stable condition. Aged 52, the revered chaplain was praised as a unique figure who began his tenure with the Defence Forces in early 2014. He had reached high regard among the troopers of Renmore Barracks, his base since he joined the forces.
The brutal act took place just shy of 11pm on Thursday, targeting Fr Murphy at his base at Renmore Barracks. Despite the serious injuries, his life is not in danger. Fr Murphy, who originally hails from Waterford, completed his education at St John’s College, in his native Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. He was ordained in 1996 at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity located in the city.
Before embarking on the path of chaplaincy, Fr Murphy served as a priest in Clonmel, and for six years he served the Dunhill and Fenor Parish in Tramore, Co Waterford. He left this position at the close of 2013, in pursuit of the chaplaincy in Galway. Since then, he has remained at Renmore Barracks, based at St Patrick’s Garrison Church, with the 1st Infantry Battalion.
Referred to as a ‘hands-on padre’, Fr Murphy is praised for his tireless service and approach to the troopers’ wellbeing says Fr Paschal Hanrahan, head chaplain to the Defence Forces. “They absolutely venerate him,” attested Hanrahan. Fr Murphy’s dedication extended beyond Irish shores as he visited Irish soldiers in far-off nations like Syria and Lebanon over the last ten years.
In his role, Murphy has been instrumental in coordinating the participation of Irish Defence Forces in the annual military pilgrimage to Lourdes. Recognised for these stirling efforts, Fr Hanrahan attests his reputation amongst European military circles as being ‘incredible’.
In his local community in Galway, Fr Murphy is praised as a figure of support to the Defence Forces, touching every facet of their professional and personal lives. He is dependable, always available, and stands as a figure of support to the soldiers, “regardless of whether they’re in training or disgruntled old NCOs,” said Hanrahan, reiterating the importance of his presence.
His roles, as Fr Hanrahan elaborates, encompass regular interactions such as coffee and conversation, as much as officiating key events such as weddings or baptisms. In light of the recent turn of events, Fr Hanrahan will be taking over his duty at a soldier’s wedding at St Patrick’s Church on Saturday.