Media Invite – 09.20am, Thursday 12th of February

On the 15th August, 2024 at the main gate of Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Fr Paul Murphy was returning to barracks in his vehicle. Fr Murphy was approached by an assailant under the guide of needing assistance and was attacked with a knife on the lowering of his car's window.

Private Ciara Shanahan, on gate duty, immediately alerted the Barrack Guard and proceeded to attempt to deter the attacker, whilst being unarmed. For her actions, Private Shanahan is being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, with Merit.

The Guard Commander, Corporal Daniel Padden accompanied by another member of the Barrack Guard, Private Dylan Geraghty responded rapidly, by issuing verbal warnings followed by warning shots, before Private Geraghty tackled the assailant and removed the threat from Fr Murphy while Cpl Padden maintained a defensive position ready to escalate force if necessary. For their actions, Corporal Padden is being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, with Distinction and Private Geraghty is being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, with Honour

Finally, for his distinguished service arising from a violent attack on himself and for personifying the Defence Forces Core Values in the aftermath, Father Paul Murphy is being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, with Merit.

Please note that there will be no interviews conducted on the day with the medal recipients and due to the limited space available at the ceremony, media will be invited to do a scan of the room prior to the ceremony and be brought forward for the key moments of the ceremony. In addition, the Barrack’s Dining Centre is only open to invited guests of the DSM Recipients and VIPs.

Where: Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Galway

When: 

Points of Contact: Comdt Alex Quigley - 0872482130 and Capt Tony Smith - 0873296749