A 17-year-old boy who attempted to murder an Army chaplain outside Renmore Barracks in Galway has been sentenced to ten years in detention, with the final two years suspended. The teenager, who pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Fr Paul Murphy on 15 August 2024, must also complete a deradicalisation programme and remain under supervision for three years following his release.
The court heard that the boy, radicalised online and influenced by extremist propaganda, had targeted Fr Murphy in a violent and deliberate knife attack. On the night of the assault, the boy approached the priest, who was sitting in his car outside the barracks, and stabbed him multiple times with a serrated eight-inch hunting knife. He clung to the vehicle as it moved, before being restrained by soldiers who fired warning shots.
Mr Justice Paul McDermott described the offence as “terrifying and extraordinary,” and warned of the serious consequences of unregulated internet access for young people. He said the boy’s distorted view of the Irish Defence Forces—particularly their mission in Mali—stemmed from obsessive online engagement with extremist content, which contributed to his radicalisation.
“This is a very serious offence, made all the more serious because it was committed against a member of the Defence Forces,” the judge said. He added that young people, especially those with vulnerabilities such as social isolation, are at risk of being drawn into violent ideologies online.
The court was told that the boy had supported the so-called Islamic State and possessed videos of beheadings and other violent content. Items found in his home included an Islamic State flag, a poster with the phrase “Allahu Akbar,” and a notebook with violent sketches—although the boy denied ownership of the latter. He had converted to Islam at age 15 and regularly attended mosque.
Fr Murphy survived the attack and later offered forgiveness to the boy, even hugging him in court. In his victim impact statement, he said he considered himself “the best-placed person to take the knife that night” and was grateful it had not been one of his comrades.
Speaking outside court, Fr Murphy said, “It’s very easy to fight hatred with hatred... but if God is love, then love is stronger than hate.” He expressed hope that the boy would emerge from detention better able to contribute positively to society.
Justice McDermott highlighted mitigating factors, including the boy’s early guilty plea, genuine remorse, and lack of previous convictions. However, he stressed the need for accountability in how internet content is managed, warning of “enormous societal consequences” if action is not taken.
The boy told gardaí after his arrest that he attacked Fr Murphy to protest the Defence Forces’ involvement in Mali, saying, “I did it... for Islam.” He also admitted to suffering from mental health issues and expressed confusion about his actions, stating, “I don’t know what made me do it.”
Fr Murphy, who is preparing for a military pilgrimage to Lourdes followed by a six-month deployment to Lebanon, said his focus now was on healing and moving forward.
