Entire country wishing Fr Paul Murphy well, Simon Harris says

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Army chaplain who was stabbed on Thursday is a “kind, decent and caring man”, the Taoiseach has said.

Simon Harris said he had spoken to Fr Paul Murphy on Saturday as he recovers from his injuries.

The chaplain was attacked on Thursday night at Renmore Barracks in Galway.

In a statement, Mr Harris said: “A kind, decent, caring man, of great faith and humanity. It was an honour to speak with him and to let him know that the entire country is wishing him well in his recovery.

I have spoken with Fr Paul Murphy this evening as he recovers from his surgery. A kind, decent, caring man, of great faith and humanity. It was an honour to speak with him and to let him know that the entire country is wishing him well in his recovery

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 17, 2024

Fr Murphy, aged in his 50s, has thanked people for their prayers and concern.

In a social media post after the attack, he said: “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.”

A teenage boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has appeared in court charged in connection with the attack.