Army chaplain who forgave attacker awarded distinguished service medal

An Irish army chaplain who survived an attempted murder outside a Galway barracks has been awarded a distinguished service medal.

Father Paul Murphy was stabbed seven times with a hunting knife while attempting to drive into Renmore Barracks on the morning of August 15 2024.

Father 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 Irish 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, Father 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 Father Murphy was awarded by Defence Minister Helen McEntee at a ceremony also featuring Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy.

Ms McEntee said an attack on the Defence Forces is “an attack on the state”.

She said: “Father Paul Murphy displayed exceptional courage during this violent incident; bravery, fending off his attacker while sustaining those injuries.

“In the aftermath he also showed remarkable leadership by acknowledging those who responded to the attack and demonstrating profound compassion through his forgiveness of the assailant – your strength of character and moral courage are an inspiration to us all.”

Three other members of the Defence Forces who responded to the attack were also awarded distinguished service medals at a ceremony at the barracks on Thursday.

Mr Mulcahy said it was a “wonderful day for Oglaigh na hEireann”.

“Really wonderful for them to be recognised, first of all, by their peers, by their commanding officer and by the review board that looked at their medal awards,” he said.

“Four of them have been awarded various categories of distinguished service medal, and it’s a huge pride that their service and sacrifice for the state has been recognised – and they will carry those medals for life, and they will use the moniker DSM – distinguished service medal – after their name from now on.

“It’s a wonderful day for the state.”

Private Ciara Shanahan was awarded the distinguished service medal with merit for her actions.

She had been on guard duty at time, immediately alerted the Barrack Guard and attempted the deter the attack while being unarmed.

The Defence Forces said Guard Commander Corporal Daniel Padden and Barrack Guard member Private Dylan Geraghty “responded rapidly” by issuing verbal warnings and warning shots.

Private Geraghty, who tackled the attacker, was awarded the distinguished service medal, with honour.

Cpl Padden, who maintained a defensive position while being prepared to escalate force if necessary, was given a distinguished service medal with distinction.