Army chaplain attacked outside barracks to receive distinguished service medal

An Irish army chaplain who was attacked outside a Co Galway barracks is to be awarded a distinguished service medal.

Father Paul Murphy was stabbed seven times with a hunting knife while attempting to drive into Renmore Barracks in Galway on the morning of August 15 2024.

The court heard that the teenager who carried out the attack had planned to kill a member of the Defence Forces as a form of protest after being radicalised by Islamist extremist content online.

Father Murphy was attacked in his car after he rolled down the vehicle’s window as he returned to the barracks.

Private Ciara Shanahan, who was on gate duty that day, immediately alerted the barrack guard and attempted to deter the attacker while she was unarmed.

The guard commander Corporal Daniel Padden and another member of the Barrack Guard, Private Dylan Geraghty, issued verbal warnings followed by warning shots, before Pte Geraghty tackled the teenager.

Cpl Padden maintained a defensive position and was ready “to escalate force” if necessary, the Defence Forces said.

Other personnel arrived and provided medical aid to Father Murphy, immobilised the attacker, notified gardai and secured the scene.

The Defence Forces said that for Father Murphy’s “distinguished service” and for “personifying the Defence Forces’ core values in the aftermath” of the attack, he was to be awarded a distinguished service medal with merit next month.

Father Murphy, who required surgery for his injuries and has lost some feeling in his arms, said he forgave his attacker before hugging him in the courtroom following the trial.

The teenager, who cannot be identified because of his age, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was sentenced to eight years in prison.

The three soldiers who came to the chaplain’s aid are also to be awarded for their “swift and courageous” actions and for demonstrating “exceptional bravery” while under pressure.

Pte Shanahan is to receive a distinguished service medal, with merit; Cpl Padden is to receive a distinguished service medal, with distinction; and Pte Geraghty is to receive a distinguished service medal, with honour.

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said: “The awarding of distinguished service medals to these four members of Oglaigh na hEireann is a fitting and well deserved recognition of their courage, professionalism and moral resolve in the face of a violent attack on Father Paul Murphy.

“Their actions exemplify the very highest standards of Oglaigh na hEireann.

“In a moment of extreme danger, they acted decisively, selflessly and with complete regard for the protection of life.

“This outcome is a direct reflection of the rigorous training, discipline and values instilled in our personnel throughout their careers.

“I am immensely proud of these soldiers. Their conduct brings great pride, to their unit, An Chead Chathlan Coisithe (The 1st Infantry Battalion), and to the Defence Forces as a whole, and it reinforces the trust placed in us by the people we serve.”