36-year-old Niall Cummins appeared before Waterford District Court this morning, July 22 in connection with a serious assault at Holy Cross Church, Tramore.

A woman in her 50s was seriously injured inside the church when an eyewitness confirmed a man approached her and allegedly attacked her with a knife in the chest.

Niall Cummins, DOB 23/11/1989, of 34 The Willows, Clarinwood, Tramore, Co. Waterford appeared with no legal representation.

He was charged in court with Assault Causing Harm under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. A further charge was also on the charge sheet of Possession of A Knife contrary to Section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 2009 at Holy Cross Church, Tramore.

The accused, who made no reply when charged and cautioned will now be subject to a psychiatric evaluation, as sought by the prison authorities.

No application for bail was made this morning, however Inspector Niall Daly advised Judge John Cheatle that there will be a State objection to bail if it is sought at a future date.