'Sinister attack!' Police believe 16-year-old charged with stabbing Irish army chaplain holds 'radical Islamist views'

Father Murphy, 52, was taken to University Hospital Galway and is recovering from multiple stab wounds following surgery.

The teenager appeared at Children's Court in Galway and was charged with assault causing harm.

Detective Sergeant Paul McNulty claimed the attack was "frenzied" and revealed local police believe the teenager holds a "radical Islamist mindset".

Police in County Galway confirmed officers were investigating for a potential terror link yesterday.

The special detective unit is involved in the investigation.

"At this time it is not believed this incident is part of a wider conspiracy," police added.

Following a search of his home, Gardai suspect the teen became "radicalised to an extent" by conspiracy theories regarding Irish involvement in Mali and the Middle East.

Father Murphy separately shared an update on social media saying he was "doing okay" ahead of surgey.

He said: "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 following the attack.

Irish Defence Minister Micheal Martin, who was Taoiseach between June 2020 and November 2022, expressed his concern with the incident on Friday morning.

He 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."