Pictured: Grandfather killed in attack 'linked to priest's attempted murder': Man in his 30s remains in custody

Daily Mail​

4 days ago

A grandfather who was killed in Northern Ireland in an attack reportedly linked to the attempted murder of a priest, has been described as a 'beloved father and grandfather'.
The body of Stephen Brannigan, who was in his 50s, was found in a house in Marian Park in Downpatrick on Sunday afternoon.
Police are investigating if his death is linked to an attack on a priest in the town, Father John Murray.
Fr Murray was rushed to hospital after he was ' bottled by a man who walked into church before mass '.
He was hit on the head at St Patrick's Church in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, today.
Police chiefs have said that the incidents, just 1.3 miles away from each other and just fewer than two hours apart, may be linked.
In a statement, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said the priest was in a 'serious condition' in hospital after what has been described by detectives as a 'brutal attack'.
Fr Murray was believed to have been preparing for one of his last Masses before retiring when the attack took place in the church's sacristy at 10.10am.
A 30-year-old man is being questioned on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
In a statement, Mr Brannigan's family said: 'In the midst of our shock, pain and total heartbreak at the news of the brutal murder of our beloved dad, grandad, son and brother Stephen yesterday, we want to convey our sincere thanks to all those who have surrounded us with such love and care in the hours that have followed.
'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.
'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.'
The family said they wanted to convey their concern for Fr Murray, who remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
The statement added: 'Fr John is highly respected by our family and by all in our community.
'It is so typical of his kindness that he was willing to reach out in trust to someone he believed was in distress, despite the obvious risk to himself.
'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.
'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.
'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.'
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, from the Major Investigation Team, said: 'On Sunday morning, 10 August, at approximately 10.10am, police received a report that a priest had been seriously assaulted. This was in a church in the St Patrick's Avenue area of the town.
'A man entered the church and brutally attacked the priest with a bottle. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to a head injury. Here, he remains in a serious, but stable, condition.
'While attending this serious assault, at around midday, police received a report of the death of a man at an address in the Marian Park area.
'Officers attended along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Sadly, the man, who is aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.
'Following initial enquires, a murder investigation was launched, and a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.
'He has also been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and remains in custody at this time.
Detective Chief Inspector Robinson continued: 'Our investigations into both the murder and attempted murder are at the early stages.
'While I can confirm that one line of enquiry is that the two are connected, I would reiterate that our enquiries are ongoing in an effort to establish the facts surrounding both incidents.
'I am keen to appeal to anyone who was in the St Patrick's Avenue area of Downpatrick between 9am and 11am on Sunday, or the Marian Park area between 12 midnight and 12 noon on Sunday, and saw or heard anything untoward, to please come forward and speak to us.
'Any detail, no matter how small, could be of vital importance to our investigation. I would ask anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage to contact us on 101, quoting reference 713 of 10/08/25.'
Superintendent Norman Haslett, the District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, added:
'I would like to express my sympathy to family members, friends and the wider community in Downpatrick who are today left shaken by the tragic events of the weekend.
'For a man to be murdered and a Priest to be attacked in the sanctity of his own church, these are appalling acts and I understand that many people will inevitably be struggling to come to terms with both grief and shock.
'I want to reassure the local community that there is no ongoing risk to the public and you will see an increased visible police presence in the area over the next few days.'