Man charged with murder of Downpatrick man and attempted murder of priest
Left: Stephen Brannigan. Right: Fr John Murray. Both men were attacked in Downpatrick on Sunday
Police have charged a man with the murder of Downpatrick man Stephen Brannigan.
The man has also been charged with attempted murder in relation to an assault on priest Fr John Murray.
'Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Major Investigation Team, investigating the murder of Stephen Brannigan and the serious assault of a priest in Downpatrick on Sunday 10th August, have charged a man to court,' said a PSNI spokesperson.
'The man, aged 30, has been charged with murder and attempted murder.
'He is due to appear before Newtownards Magistrates' Court tomorrow, Wednesday August 13.
'As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
Stephen Brannigan died following an incident in the Marian Park area of the town. Police have said they believe the death may be linked to an attack on a priest later on the same day.
On Monday, Mr Brannigan's family thanked the local community for their support following his death.
"We want to express our particular thanks to those who organised and gathered for the beautiful prayer vigil in St Brigid's Church in the town on Sunday evening,' they said.
"It means so much to us at this difficult time and reflects the very special people who make up the Marian Park and wider Downpatrick community.
"Stephen was known among his neighbours and friends as someone who was always willing to help out, ready to do whatever needed to be done for the good of others.
Stephen Brannigan
"Even the day before he died, he was tending the graves of friends and neighbours, as he did, almost every day, the grave of his late wife Dorenda, who died five years ago from cancer.
"Stephen faced many difficult issues in his life. We know his life was not perfect. But for us, he was our dad, our grandad, our son and our brother.
"His rock through all of this was Dorenda. We pray they will be reunited now in perfect peace and love.'
Fr John Murray (Pacemaker)
The family also conveyed their concern for Fr John Murray, who police said remained in a 'serious but stable condition' in hospital.
"With so many others, we pray for his full recovery and thank him for his own prayers for us which he has conveyed through the priests of the parish.'
Fr Murray, who was due to retire on Thursday, was preparing to celebrate his final Mass at St Patrick's Church in Downpatrick when the attack took place.
Left: Stephen Brannigan. Right: Fr John Murray. Both men were attacked in Downpatrick on Sunday
Co Down community 'shaken and upset' after priest attack and death of man
Speaking on Good Morning Ulster on Monday morning, Fr Eddie McGee described Fr Murray as a 'well known and very well respected priest'.
'We are all praying for his recovery at this stage. It is an absolute shock for parishioners who witnessed this terrible event,' he added.
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