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.
A coroner has called on military fitness to be "decoupled" from career progression within the Defence Forces because of the fear of personnel speaking out if they were experiencing physical or psychological health problems.
When informal and formal complaints of abuse were made against an army officer, the submission alleges that two of them received telephone texts and threats.
"While I am very pleased to report that all personnel are safe and well, the fact they came under fire while on patrol is deeply worrying," he said.
