Teen returned for trial for attempted murder of priest

A 16-year-old boy, accused of the attempted murder of a priest in Co Galway, has been returned for trial at the Central Criminal Court.

A book of evidence was served on the youth at Galway District Court today.

The teenager - who cannot be named due to his age - faces two charges arising from an alleged incident at a Defence Forces barracks in the city last August.

He is charged with the attempted murder of Fr Paul Murphy, at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore on 15 August, 2024.

He is further charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the Defence Forces chaplin, at the same location on the same date.

Garda Conor Breen of Galway Garda Station confirmed to the court that he served the book of evidence on the boy at Galway Courthouse.

The boy was in court for today's brief hearing, accompanied by his mother.

Sergeant Christy Browne said the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented to the accused being returned for trial to the present sittings of the Central Criminal Court.

Judge Mary Fahy noted the DPP's consent and made the order returning the boy for trial on both counts.

She also delivered an alibi warning, telling the accused that if his defence to the charges relied on an alibi, then details should be provided to the State, prior to commencement of the trial.

The judge told the accused his solicitor would further explain the alibi warning to him.

The court heard the accused was being remanded in custody at Oberstown Detention Centre, as an application for bail can only be considered by the High Court.

Judge Fahy granted a legal aid application by defence solicitor, Jack Donohue for junior and senior counsel.

Mr Donohue said that any further applications would be made before the trial judge.