The priest was left “lying in a pool of blood”
A priest remains in a serious condition in hospital after he was brutally attacked before he was due to take mass in his parish of Downpatrick.
It’s reported that yesterday, Sunday August 10, a man entered St Patrick’s Church in the Co Down town, asking Father John Murray to hear his confession. Father Murray, who was preparing for retirement this week, was then attacked with a bottle.
Soon after this incident, police attended an address in the Marian Park area following a report of a deceased man. A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and police say both incidents may be connected.
READ MORE: Church statement as Downpatrick attacker asked for confession before assaultREAD MORE: What we know so far as police link Downpatrick incidents
Parishioner Raymond Rooney was in St Patrick’s Church on Sunday morning for mass. He described the “mayhem” that unfolded within the church.
“A man walked in on his own, the sacristan was up at the altar, and this man said something to the sacristan. It sounded a bit aggressive. It was only a couple of words, he shouted something, but I couldn’t catch it,” he told the BBC.
“He then went round the corner, and that was it, the sacrosanct disappeared. All of a sudden, I heard this loud crying. He was crying and crying and then started shouting. About five or ten minutes later, the parish priest Father John Murray then walks in, and I heard him saying ‘good morning Raymond’.
“I said ‘Father there’s a man round the corner there and he is crying out loud, there’s something wrong with him’. Father Murray went round, and then I heard a door closing. I am guessing maybe three, four, five minutes later, the man left. He walked passed me, I actually put my left hand up and waved at him. That was it.
“Some of the women started to gather, and someone said Father Murray was injured. I went down and they wouldn’t let me in. The police arrived and there was commotion. I then heard the ambulance arrive.
“The housekeeper, a lady called Margaret, she was crying. She said, ‘Poor Father Murray, he is lying in a pool of blood. There’s blood all over his face’. It was mayhem in the church. People were aghast at what had happened. That poor man.”
In a parish update on Monday morning, a spokesperson said: “Canon Murray continues to receive exceptional care. He is stable and comfortable. Mass in St Colmcille’s, tomorrow, Tuesday at 9.30am. St Patrick’s Church and grounds remain closed.
“Meetings scheduled for today have been postponed until further notice. Baptism Course scheduled for Thursday Evening will go ahead as normal. Please continue to keep all those impacted by yesterday’s tragic events in your prayers.
“We appreciate the prayers, text messages and phone calls , but ask that the privacy of Canon Murray, his family, clerical colleagues and staff is respected at this time.”
Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a man in Downpatrick.
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 Avenue 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.”
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard expressed his shock following the death of a man and the violent attack on the local priest.
“What has happened in Downpatrick is deeply shocking,” the South Down MP said.
“The death of a man, along with the vicious attack on Fr Murray in St Patrick’s Church, has deeply saddened and horrified the local community. My thoughts are with all those affected by these tragic events including family and friends of the victims, parishioners who were on their way to Mass this morning, and the emergency services who attended the scenes.
“I would encourage anyone with information to contact police to assist them with their investigations.”
DUP MLA for South Down Diane Forsythe condemned the “shocking and disgraceful attack on a religious leader in a place of worship”.
Of the two incidents, she said: “There is no place for violent attacks in our society.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the entire community as they process this devastating murder as well as the serious assault earlier today.”
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath also condemned the attack on Father Murray.
“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.
“My thoughts are with the priest and others impacted by this attack. I hope that he makes a quick recovery and that the person responsible is apprehended.”
Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray said: “This is a tragic day for Downpatrick, the heartbreaking events of which have left many here in the local community in shock on what should be a day of peace and rest.
“First and foremost, my thoughts and sympathies are with the family, friends, and loved ones of the two victims of today’s attacks, as well as anyone who’s been impacted. I want to wish Father Murray all the best for a hopefully speedy recovery.
“I also want to extend my thanks to the local PSNI officers who acted swiftly and professionally in dealing with the incidents, under what will have been difficult and distressing circumstances.”
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