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Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Man killed in Downpatrick pictured as priest remains in hospital after ‘brutal attack'
Stephen Brannigan, believed to be aged in his 50s, died following an incident in the Marian Park area of the town on Sunday. 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. A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. 'I think everyone's just in a state of shock,' a Downpatrick resident said. 'You have three local families that are truly impacted by this, the Father's family, Stephen's family and then the family of the man responsible.' 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. A parishioner who was in the church at the time of the attack described the scene as 'mayhem.' 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. Fr McGee added that Fr Murray had sustained a 'very serious head injury' and is 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.' Downpatrick Family of Parishes said this morning that Fr Murray "continues to receive exceptional care", and confirmed that mass will take place in St Colmcille's tomorrow at 9.30am. 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.' Mr Rooney said he remembered suddenly hearing 'loud crying' and added that Fr Murray arrived five to ten minutes later. He said he alerted Fr Murray to the man's presence: '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 SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith said: "From talking to the neighbours yesterday, they would say that Stephen was a quiet lad. '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.'
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
‘It was mayhem in the church': Priest remains in hospital after ‘brutal attack' as man killed in Downpatrick is named
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.'
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Man killed in Downpatrick named and priest remains in hospital after ‘brutal attack' that police believe may be linked
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. Fr Eddie McGee, a priest and spokesperson for the Diocese of Down and Connor, said the town of Downpatrick has seen an 'absolutely shocking series of events'. 'It's very hard to capture just the shock and the horror expressed yesterday by the parishioners and others who had experienced this brutal attack on the local priest, Fr John Murray,' he told RTÉ Radio One's Morning Ireland. 'And to be compounded later by news of the murder of another young man. My thoughts and prayers go out this morning to his wife and two daughters and extended family, who are bereaved at the needless loss of life in such brutal circumstances. "This is an absolutely shocking series of events that has taken place, and what is a really historic and beautiful town of Downpatrick, it's very hard to capture how people are experiencing this this morning,' he added. Fr McGee described a 75-year-old Fr John Murray as a 'very highly respected' and 'well-liked priest'. ADVERTISEMENT '[He was] just facing retirement this week, and indeed, a sign of his commitment to ministry is going to continue on. People this morning are praying for his safety and recovery. "News from the hospital is that he received quite serious head injuries - [he's] serious, but stable. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. "People this morning continue to be shocked, probably feel very vulnerable. This sort of brutal attack took place on a Sunday morning, and people will feel very vulnerable in these circumstances,' he added. Fr Murray was a spiritual director of Fr McGee in the seminary, and had known him for 'all of his ministry as a priest'. "He has ministered in many parishes throughout the diocese. Most recently, he was appointed as a Canon by the bishop, a sign of how he valued his advice and guidance 'For the last 11 years, he has ministered in Downpatrick and indeed the local parishes. He was the coordinating priest in that area, and so his role was to reach out and look after other priests in the area. Canon John has been so embedded in the diocese and will be known by so many. 'It is difficult to comprehend that this would happen to a priest, but at the same time, we continue to reach out. Local priests had come in to support the people of the community in Downpatrick last night and today, and also the priests have been there to visit the family of the man who was murdered in the town as well," he added. 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.' Yesterday, it was reported that a priest was seriously assaulted at his church in Downpatrick. It was reported that at around 10.10am a man had walked into the St Patrick's Church on St Patrick's Avenue and hit the priest on his head with a bottle before leaving. SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath condemned the attack on the priest. 'This is a disgraceful attack on an elderly priest which has left him in a serious condition in hospital. For this to happen in the church is particularly disgusting and I have spoken to many members of the community who are shocked and upset that this has taken place,' he said.
ITV News
2 days ago
- ITV News
Priest John Murray ‘serious but stable' following attack in Downpatrick linked to murder
A Co Down priest remains in a 'serious but stable' condition in hospital after being subjected to a 'brutal attack' in his church on Sunday. Father John Murray was reportedly struck to the head at St Patrick's Church. He was approached by a man who asked if he would hear his confession ahead of the Sunday morning service, and attacked as shocked parishioners arrived for mass. Father Murray had been due to retire later this week. Police have said the attack may be linked to the death of a man in Downpatrick. They have opened a murder investigation. The victim has been named locally as Stephen Brannigan. A 30-year-old man remains in police custody being questioned on suspicion of murder after a man was found dead at an address in the Marian Park area at about 12pm on Sunday. A prayer vigil was held at St Brigid's Church in the town on Sunday night. On Monday morning, the Downpatrick Family of Parishes said: 'Canon Murray continues to receive exceptional care. 'He is stable and comfortable.' SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath described shock and disbelief in Downpatrick following the events of Sunday. 'First of all the community would want to have thoughts and prayers with the family of the deceased individual, and I know that that community in and around the Marian Park area will wrap around them and support them,' he said. 'Then the shocking nature and the graphic nature of the attack on Father Murray on what was supposed to be the commencement of his retirement, in a public manner and in daylight, exposes an awful lot of vulnerability in that scenario but also more widely, for clergy across Ireland, and other workers in the community, what can happen in the blink of an eye.' Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Priest remains in serious but stable condition after 'brutal' church attack
A Co Down priest remains in a "serious but stable" condition in hospital after being subjected to a "brutal attack" in his church on Sunday. Father John Murray was reportedly struck to the head at St Patrick's Church. He was approached by a man who asked if he would hear his confession ahead of the Sunday morning service, and attacked as shocked parishioners arrived for mass. Father Murray had been due to retire later this week. Police have said the attack may be linked to the death of a man in Downpatrick. An incident at St Patrick's Church, in the town, where a priest was seriously assaulted is also linked to the murder. (Image: Jonathan Porter/PressEye) A 30-year-old man remains in police custody being questioned on suspicion of murder after a man was found dead at an address in the Marian Park area at about 12pm on Sunday. A prayer vigil was held at St Brigid's Church in the town on Sunday night. On Monday morning, the Downpatrick Family of Parishes said: "Canon Murray continues to receive exceptional care. "He is stable and comfortable." They added that St Patrick's Church and its grounds remained closed. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath described shock and disbelief in Downpatrick following the events of Sunday. "First of all the community would want to have thoughts and prayers with the family of the deceased individual, and I know that that community in and around the Marian Park area will wrap around them and support them," he told the BBC. "Then the shocking nature and the graphic nature of the attack on Father Murray on what was supposed to be the commencement of his retirement, in a public manner and in daylight, exposes an awful lot of vulnerability in that scenario but also more widely, for clergy across Ireland, and other workers in the community, what can happen in the blink of an eye." Sign up to the Irish Mirror's Courts and Crime newsletter here and get breaking crime updates and news from the courts direct to your inbox.
