Police were alerted to the discovery of a body in the Marian Park area around midday
A man who was murdered in Downpatrick on Sunday has been named locally as grandfather and father-of-two, Stephen Brannigan. Mr Brannigan, who is believed to be aged in his 50s, was found dead at a property in Marian Park in the town.
Police believe that the murder may be linked to an attack on the local parish priest, Canon John Murray, who remains in hospital in a serious condition after he was attacked with a bottle on Sunday morning whilst preparing to say Mass.
It is understood that Canon Murray’s attacker had asked the priest to hear his confession before the brutal assault.
READ MORE: Downpatrick priest attack described as ‘mayhem’ as man remains in custodyREAD MORE: What we know so far as police link Downpatrick incidents
A 30-year-old man was arrested on Sunday in connection to both incidents and remains in police custody at this time.
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 walked in, and I heard him say, ‘Good morning, Raymond’.
“I said, ‘Father, there’s a man around the corner, 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.”
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 12 pm 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.”
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
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