Army chaplain who forgave attacker awarded distinguished service medal

"Fr 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. Fr Murphy, who required surgery for his injuries and lost some feeling in his arms, said he forgave his attacker before hugging him in the courtroom following the trial. His attacker, who was 16 at the time and cannot be identified, was arrested at the scene after being restrained by soldiers."

"The Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard he planned to kill a member of the Defence Forces as a form of protest after being radicalised by Islamist extremist content online. Now 18, he pleaded guilty to attempted murder earlier last year. He was sentenced to 10 years in detention with the final two suspended with several conditions, including engaging in a de-radicalisation programme. In an extraordinary moment, Fr Murphy forgave his attacker and the pair embraced in the courtroom after his victim-impact statement."

"The chaplain was awarded a distinguished service medal with merit for "personifying the Defence Forces' core values in the aftermath" of the attack. The medal to Fr Murphy was awarded by Defence Minister Helen McEntee at a ceremony also featuring Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy. Three other members of the Defence Forces who responded to the attack were also awarded distinguished service medals at a ceremony at the barracks today. Private Ciara Shanahan was awarded the distinguished service medal with merit for her actions."

Fr Paul Murphy was stabbed seven times while attempting to drive into Renmore Barracks in Galway on August 15, 2024. He required surgery and lost some feeling in his arms. The attacker, then 16, was arrested at the scene after being restrained by soldiers and later pleaded guilty to attempted murder. The court heard the attack was planned as a protest after radicalisation by Islamist extremist online content. The attacker, now 18, was sentenced to 10 years with two years suspended and ordered to engage in a de-radicalisation programme. Fr Murphy forgave his attacker and was awarded a distinguished service medal; three responding Defence Forces members also received medals.

Read at Irish Independent