A 17-yr-old has admitted to attempting to murder Fr Paul Murphy, a Defence Forces chaplain pictured above in Lourdes, France, in a violent stabbing incident last year. The plea was entered during a short hearing at the Central Criminal Court today, where the teenager confirmed his guilt in the attack that took place on 15 August 2024 at Dún Uà MhaoilÃosa, Renmore Barracks, Galway.
The defendant, who was 16 at the time of the assault, cannot be named due to legal protections for minors. Fr Murphy, a well-regarded chaplain in his 50s serving with the 1st Infantry Battalion, sustained multiple stab wounds while sitting in his car. He received medical treatment at University Hospital Galway and has since been invited to provide a victim impact statement to the court.
Mr Justice Paul McDermott, presiding over the case, ordered a probation report from Oberstown Detention Centre, where the teenager is being held. The matter has been adjourned until 7 March 2025, when a sentencing hearing date will be determined.
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