Boy, 16, charged with attempted murder of Army chaplain

A teenage boy has been charged with the attempted murder of an army chaplain in the Republic of Ireland.

Fr Paul F Murphy was stabbed several times at Renmore Barracks in County Galway on 15 August.

The 16-year-old cannot be identified because he is a minor.

He had previously been charged with assault causing harm.

The teenager appeared at Galway District Court on Wednesday morning in relation to the upgraded charge, Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported.

The court was told that the accused's father and solicitor were present when the charges were put to him.

The boy did not speak during the brief court hearing, RTÉ added.

The court was told that the director of public prosecutions has directed that the boy be sent forward for indictment at the Central Criminal Court.

Judge Fahy said an application for bail could not be made in the District Court.

She remanded the accused to Oberstown Detention Centre to appear again by video link at Galway District Court next week.