A teenager has been arrested after an army chaplain was stabbed outside barracks in Co Galway, with police investigating a potential terrorist link.
The chaplain – understood to be Father Paul Murphy – was attacked outside Renmore Army Barracks on Thursday evening.
Irish police say the man in his 50s was stabbed multiple times and is being treated for injuries that are serious but not life-threatening.
Emergency services rushed Fr Murphy to University Hospital Galway.
Fr Murphy shared a post on Facebook to say he was “doing okay” and waiting for surgery.
He wrote: “Friends, thank you for your prayers, love, and concern. Sorry that I can’t reply to all messages and take all the calls coming my way. I’m doing okay; just awaiting surgery. All will be well.”
The teenage boy was restrained by members of the military and remains in custody.
He is currently detained at a garda station in the north western region.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The scene remains cordoned off while forensic examinations are carried out.
Ireland’s defence minister, Michael Martin, said: “I condemn the violent attack at Renmore Barracks last night.
“I commend the members of the Defence Forces on duty at the time, whose intervention was critical. Our thoughts are with the Defence Forces member injured in the attack.”
Garda said an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The chaplain – understood to be Father Paul Murphy – was attacked outside Renmore Army Barracks on Thursday evening
The Irish Defence Forces said: “Soldiers on duty responded to the immediate threat with appropriate force to ensure the safety of personnel and secure the area.
“The assailant was quickly detained and handed over to An Garda SÃochána.
“The injured Defence Forces member was provided with immediate first aid at the scene before being transported to hospital for further treatment.”