Defence Forces chaplain Father Paul Murphy stabbed at Renmore Barracks, Galway; 17-year-old boy remanded for sentencing
On 15 August 2024, Defence Forces chaplain Father Paul Murphy, a man of 52, was repeatedly stabbed at Renmore Barracks, Galway, by a boy who was 16 at the time and described as being motivated by a radicalised Islamic mindset. The boy pleaded guilty to attempted murder in February 2025. At the sentencing hearing at the Central Criminal Court on 10 April 2025, Father Murphy delivered an emotional impact statement and forgave the boy, and the two embraced in the courtroom. The boy was remanded to Oberstown Detention Centre until 29 April 2025 for sentence.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Convicted10 Apr
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- Defence Forces chaplain Father Paul Murphy was repeatedly stabbed at Renmore Barracks, Galway, by a boy who was 16 at the time of the attack.
- Where
- The attack took place at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore Barracks, Galway, after a car carrying the attacker got 20 metres inside the gate.
- When
- The incident occurred on 15 August 2024.
- Other details
- The boy was described as being motivated by a radicalised Islamic mindset.
- Father Paul Murphy was treated for his injuries at University Hospital Galway.
- Father Paul Murphy is a chaplain with the 1st Infantry Battalion and a native of Waterford City.
- At the sentencing hearing, Father Murphy delivered an emotional impact statement and forgave the boy, and the two embraced in the courtroom.
- Charges
- The boy pleaded guilty to attempted murder in February 2025.
- In court
- The sentencing hearing was held at the Central Criminal Court on 10 April 2025.
- Sentence
- The boy was remanded to Oberstown Detention Centre until 29 April 2025 for sentencing.
9 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe car got 20 metres inside the gate of the barracks before the attack. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe boy was 16 at the time of the attack and 17 at the time of the sentencing hearing. (irishtimes.com)
- whatFather Paul Murphy was treated for his injuries at University Hospital Galway. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThe attack took place at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore Barracks, Galway. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe incident occurred on 15 August 2024. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe boy pleaded guilty to attempted murder in February 2025. (irishtimes.com)
- courtThe sentencing hearing was held at the Central Criminal Court. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceThe boy was remanded to Oberstown Detention Centre until 29 April 2025 for sentencing. (irishtimes.com)
- otherFather Paul Murphy is a chaplain with the 1st Infantry Battalion and a native of Waterford City. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 10 Apr2025Defence Forces chaplain hugs boy who stabbed him and says he is forgiven
Covers the sentencing hearing at the Central Criminal Court on 10 April 2025, where the victim delivered an emotional impact statement and forgave the boy in court; the boy was remanded to Oberstown until 29 April for sentence.
victim, Paul Murphy, 52, male, irish (judged from name)Paul Murphyaccused, 17, male