THE IRISH MILITARY is to award one of its highest honours to three soldiers and a Chaplain for their bravery during a terror attack on a military barracks in Galway. 

Fr Paul Murphy and three soldiers are to receive Distinguished Service Medals (DSM).

On 15 August 2024, as he drove back into Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa Barracks in Galway, a radicalised teenage boy stabbed him. Armed young soldiers on the gate subdued the boy, saving the priest’s life.

During the encounter warning shots were fired by the soldiers. Gardaí arrived a short time later at the scene and arrested the boy who has since been imprisoned.  

Murphy was repeatedly stabbed during the incident he later publicly forgave the young attacker and embraced him in court in a remarkable show of grace.

There has been a campaign to mark the bravery of the soldiers and Fr Murphy’s efforts on the day. 

The Defence Forces has said that Private Ciara Shanahan, on gate duty, immediately alerted the Barrack Guard and proceeded to attempt to deter the attacker, all whilst being unarmed.

The Guard Commander, Corporal Daniel Padden accompanied by Private Dylan Geraghty responded rapidly, by issuing verbal warnings followed by warning shots.

Geraghty tackled the attacker and stopped the attack while Padden “maintained a defensive position ready to escalate force if necessary”.

Other military personnel also provided medical care to Fr Murphy.

On the awarding of the medals, the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy paid tribute to the soldiers and Chaplain for their bravery. 

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

“This outcome is a direct reflection of the rigorous training, discipline and values instilled in our personnel throughout their careers,” he said. 

The Distinguished Service Medals will be awarded by the Minister for Defence, Ms Helen McEntee next month at a ceremony in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa Barracks. 

It is the latest DSM to be awarded to a soldiers from the 1st Battalion in Galway. Private William Kedian (21) was killed by fire from an Israeli position in Lebanon in May 1999. He was awarded the honour posthumously last year.  

Senator Gerard Craughwell, who has campaigned for greater recognition of soldiers for bravery has welcomed the news. 

“I am delighted. For me this is the Irish Defence Forces coming of age and being willing to recognise valour and award it. 

“I congratulate all involved and it is a great way to show the work and quality of our military personnel,” he said. 

Cathal Berry, Former TD and military officer, said the announcement was a “very welcome development”.

“We should always recognise excellence when we see it. This is the fifth DSM awarded to 1st Inf Bn troops in the last 12 months. It speaks to the quality of the people based there, particularly when compared to recent controversies involving certain members of the security forces and the general public in the United States.

“Indeed such was the performance of the four recipients that it is the reputation and status of the Distinguished Service Medal that is enhanced by them, rather than the other way round. For it is not titles that honour troops, but rather troops that honour titles,” he added. 

Shanahan becomes the first woman to receive a DSM.

Fr Murphy is the second military chaplain to receive a DSM. Fr Edward Dunne was awarded the medal for his care of a wounded comrade in Lebanon in 1978.

There has been a recent campaign by the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) for Chaplains to be given the status of serving members of the Defence Forces. 

RACO said that chaplains are without representation despite working for, and being paid by the Department of Defence. 

It is understood that the Chaplaincy Service has sought clarity from the Department as to their status. The head chaplain Fr Paschal Hanrahan had described the current position as ‘disingenuous’. RACO has also made representations on behalf of the priests.