‘It was mayhem in the church': Priest remains in hospital after ‘brutal attack' as man killed in Downpatrick is named

Belfast Telegraph

3 days ago

The father of two died following an incident in the Marian Park area of the town on Sunday.
A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
The incident is believed to be linked with a 'brutal attack' on an elderly priest. Fr John Murray is now in a 'stable and comfortable condition' in hospital, his parish has said.
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.
Downpatrick Family of Parishes said this morning that he "continues to receive exceptional care", and confirmed that mass will take place in St Colmcille's tomorrow at 9.30am.
Speaking on Good Morning Ulster this morning, Fr Eddie McGee described Fr Murray as a 'well known and very well respected priest'.
He told the programme that Fr Murray had been ministering for the last 11 years in Downpatrick.
Speaking about the incident, he said that Fr Murray had sustained a 'very serious head injury' and was in a 'serious but stable' condition.
'We are all praying for his recovery at this stage. It is an absolute shock for parishioners who witnessed this terrible event yesterday,' he added.
'The parishioners said they started gathering in the church in Downpatrick and mass was to be celebrated at about 10.30am.
'It seems that about 15-20 minutes before mass, a gentleman approached the sacristy, looking for Fr John Murray, asking if he would hear his confession.
'It was at that stage, he was attacked. The parishioners, who witnessed this brutal attack, they then called the PSNI and the emergency services to then come to the aid of Fr Murray.'
Fr McGee added: 'It was an absolute shock, our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the family of the gentleman who was murdered in Downpatrick, his wife, his two daughters, his wider family.
'The loss of life in such brutal circumstances, is just very difficult to comprehend.'
He added that Fr Murray was 'highly regarded' and had 'committed his whole life to the service of the people'
"This [attack] is not what people would expect to have happened in Downpatrick,' he continued.
"I can say that many people have been in contact with both the diocese and with the priests of the local surrounding area to convey their words of support and their prayer for Fr Murray.
"I have no doubt that there will be other opportunities for people to gather in prayer.
"Bishop Alan McGuckian has went across to visit the hospital last night to meet with the family of Fr Murray at this time.'
'It was mayhem in the church. People were aghast at what had happened. Totally shocked. People can't take it in.'
A 77-year-old parishioner was present at the time of the attack.
Raymond Rooney had been at the chapel an hour before mass was due to start.
'The sacristan was there, he was around doing his work. Then this man came in on his own,' he told BBC NI.
'The sacristan was up at the altar and this man, he said something to the sacristan, he sounded a bit aggressive, it was only a couple of words, then he shouted something but I couldn't catch it, it's a big church.
'He went round the corner, that was it, the sacristan disappeared.
'All of a sudden I heard this loud crying. I knew that man was there on his own there was no other parishioners had arrived yet, there was crying and crying, then he started shouting, at himself presumably.
'About five to ten minutes later the parish priest, John Murray, he walks in and I heard him say: 'Good morning Raymond'. I said: 'Good morning father'.
'I shouted, 'father father' then he turned. I said that there was a man around the corner there, and he is crying out loud and talking out loud.
'Fr Murray ran in and I heard voices, I couldn't hear what they were saying. I heard the door closing.
'About maybe five minutes later the man left, he must have said something to Fr Murray. The last word I could hear was 'father'.
'Some of the women started to gather and somebody said: 'Father Murray is injured'.
'Then the police arrived - there was commotion, everyone was talking and then I heard the ambulance arrive.
"It was mayhem in the church. People were aghast at what had happened. Totally shocked. People can't take it in."
News Catch Up - Friday 8th August
It comes as SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith said that 'a dark cloud' was hanging over Downpatrick upon news of the killing of Stephen Brannigan.
"From talking to the neighbours yesterday, they would say that Stephen was a quiet lad,' said the SDLP representative.
'He got up in the morning and got about his work, but anyone in the estate needed anything done, he was the first to do it.
'I spoke to the two daughters, they are devastated, Stephen's fathers was in bits, it was awful, so so sad.
'All of the family have been informed [of the death].
'There was a dark cloud over Downpatrick yesterday, there was a vigil held last night, it was an opportunity for people to show support, it shows that everyone has each other's back.'
Newry, Mourne and Down, District Commander Superintendent Norman Haslett said: 'Police attended an address in the Marian Park area following a report of a deceased man at approximately 12pm on Sunday afternoon, 10th August.
'A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in police custody assisting with enquiries.
'Enquiries are at an early stage and, at this time, we suspect this may be connected to a serious assault in the St Patrick's Street area of Downpatrick on Sunday.
'I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 713 of 10/8/25.'