The stabbing took place today at Holy Cross Church in Summerhill, Tramore, Co Waterford, and the victim, aged in her 50s, was described as a “lovely woman”.
A woman was stabbed inside a church in Ireland just before morning mass.
The attack took place today at Holy Cross Church in Tramore, County Waterford, Ireland, at around 9.45am The victim, aged in her 50s and named Mary McNamara, reportedly suffered a single knife wound before being rushed to hospital.
Several units, including specialist armed police from the Armed Support Unit, responded to the incident alongside paramedics. The victim suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, gardai said.
talking to the irish mirrorLocal parishioner Ann O’Connor said she was with Ms McNamara when the attack occurred and that the victim was chased by her attacker.
She said: “The lady who was stabbed was kneeling behind me so I didn’t see much but it was very traumatic. He was there, he came down the church and stopped. He just attacked with a knife and she ran and he chased her,” she said.
O’Connor described the woman as a “lovely person” and “very gentle.”
Gardai say a man in his 30s, believed to be a white Irish national, was later arrested at a domestic residence in the area and is currently detained at a Garda station in Co Waterford. Officers can hold you for up to 24 hours. Gardai also say they have seized a knife as part of the investigation.
The force said in its statement that although the woman suffered serious injuries in the attack, it is understood her life is not in danger at this time.
Parish priest Richard O’Halloran described what happened as “a very shocking event.”
“However, the people and also my colleague who was there at the time responded wonderfully well. All the emergency services were called and dealt with everything that was happening. This was an incident before Mass. It happened in the main body of the church.”
Fr O’Halloran confirmed that the woman is a member of the parish and well known in the area. He believed the incident was random in nature, but said “that’s in the hands of the guards.” He said his prayers and those of parishioners are with the victim.
Officers are now asking anyone who was in the area to contact police. A Gardai statement said: “Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
“Anyone who was in the vicinity of Summerhill, Tramore between 9.15am and 10.15am on Tuesday 21 July and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Tramore Garda Station on (051) 391620, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. Investigations are ongoing.”
