An Irish Army chaplain who survived a violent knife attack outside a Galway barracks will receive a Distinguished Service Medal with Merit in recognition of his actions and service.

Father Paul Murphy was stabbed seven times with a hunting knife while returning to Renmore Barracks on the morning of August 15, 2024. The attack occurred as he sat in his car at the entrance to the barracks.

The Defence Forces confirmed that they will award Father Murphy the medal next month for his distinguished service and for personifying the organisation’s core values in the aftermath of the attack.

During court proceedings, authorities revealed that a teenage assailant carried out the attack after becoming radicalised by Islamist extremist content online. The court heard that the attacker planned to kill a member of the Defence Forces as a form of protest.

Father Murphy sustained his injuries after lowering his car window while entering the barracks.

Other personnel arrived quickly, provided medical assistance to Father Murphy, restrained the attacker, contacted gardaí and secured the scene.

The Defence Forces also confirmed that Private Shanahan, Corporal Padden and Private Geraghty will receive Distinguished Service Medals for their actions during the incident.

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said the awards recognise exceptional courage and professionalism.

“The awarding of Distinguished Service Medals to these members of Óglaigh na hÉireann is a fitting and well-deserved recognition of their courage, professionalism and moral resolve in the face of a violent attack,” he said.

“In a moment of extreme danger, they acted decisively, selflessly and with complete regard for the protection of life. Their actions exemplify the very highest standards of Óglaigh na hÉireann.”

Lieutenant General Mulcahy said the response reflected the Defence Forces’ training, discipline and values, and reinforced public trust in the organisation.

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.