Urgent: Priest Attacked, Man Found Dead in Co. Down Shock

UPDATE: A community in Co. Down is in shock following a brutal attack on a priest and the discovery of a man’s body over the weekend. Bishop Alan McGuckian expressed the community’s deep distress, emphasizing that residents are “shaken and upset deeply” after the incidents that occurred on October 15, 2023.

At approximately 10:10 AM on Sunday, Fr. John Murray was viciously attacked at St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick. The assailant approached the priest under the pretense of seeking confession and then struck him on the head with a bottle, just as parishioners were arriving for morning Mass. Fr. Murray, who was about to retire this week, was hospitalized and remains in serious but stable condition.

As details unfold, police confirmed a potential link between the attack on Fr. Murray and the death of Stephen Brannigan, a man in his 50s. Brannigan was found deceased at a residence in Marian Park shortly after the assault, prompting investigations into both incidents. A 30-year-old man is currently in police custody, questioned on suspicion of murder.

In a poignant message delivered at a Mass for Fr. Murray and Brannigan’s family at St Colmcille’s Church on Monday, Bishop McGuckian urged the community to find courage in the face of such tragedy. He noted, “Hope only kicks in when things are really bad, when we cannot do it ourselves.” His remarks resonated with attendees, many of whom gathered to pray for both men, showcasing the community’s resilience amid horror.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson has called for anyone with information about the attack to come forward, stating that the investigation is ongoing. He described the assault on Fr. Murray as “brutal” and reiterated the importance of community involvement in resolving such incidents.

Residents in Downpatrick are grappling with feelings of fear and uncertainty, as Bishop McGuckian highlighted the unsettling nature of the events. “What on Earth is happening to us?” he questioned, while stressing the need for unity and support within the community during these harrowing times.

Fr. Murray, who has served the parish for over 11 years, is reported to be recovering well in the hospital, with hopes for a swift recovery as the community rallies around him and the Brannigan family.

As investigations continue, the local community remains on high alert, seeking answers and healing in the wake of this shocking violence. Authorities are urging anyone with further information to contact law enforcement to aid in the ongoing investigation.