Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Matt Carthy TD, has extended his well wishes and solidarity to Army Chaplain Fr Paul Murphy who was the victim of a vicious stabbing attack at Renmore Barracks in Galway last night.

Deputy Carthy also hailed the intervention of members of the Defence Forces at the scene ‘who prevented a heinous attack from becoming a terrible tragedy’.

Teachta Carthy said:

“I wish to extend, on behalf of my party, my well wishes and solidarity to Fr Paul Murphy, who was the victim of a vicious attack in Galway last night.

“This was clearly a very traumatic incident for Fr Murphy and for all who witnessed it, and I welcome that the assailant has been apprehended by Gardaí.

“We all share the relief that Fr Murphy is recovering well as he awaits surgery, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

“I also want to commend the heroic interventions of members of the Defence Forces on the scene who, by all accounts, prevented this heinous attack from becoming a terrible tragedy, for which we are all extremely grateful.”