Woman seriously injured after stabbing at Tramore church
by Helen Donohue, https://www.facebook.com/rtenews/ · RTE.ieA woman in her 50s has been seriously injured in a stabbing in Tramore, Co Waterford.
The incident occurred during the recitation of the rosary before 10am Mass at Holy Cross Church in Summerhill.
The woman was in the main body of the church when she was attacked. She was taken to University Hospital Waterford with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
A man in his 30s was arrested at a nearby house and a knife was seized by gardaí.
He is being held at a garda station in Co Waterford.
Parish priest Fr Richard O'Halloran confirmed that a parishioner was stabbed in the incident.
In a statement, the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore said it is "deeply shocked by a violent incident which occurred this morning during Mass at Holy Cross Church, Tramore.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured parishioner, and we pray for her full and speedy recovery."
The diocese praised the "courage and presence of mind shown by the parishioners who assisted during this frightening incident".
Local Independent Councillor Blaise Hannigan said that people in the locality are "shocked" by this morning's events.
"People attending mass this morning would not have expected something like this to happen. It's just unbelievable.
"Tramore is a very safe town. It's a very popular sea side town and because of the hot spell of weather we've had recently, thousands of people would be in the town at weekends.
"Most of the people attending 10 o'clock mass this morning would have been locals. Going to morning weekday mass is part of their daily routine.
"My thoughts are with the victim, her family and all those who were in the church this morning," he said.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, or anyone who was in the Summerhill area between 9.15am and 10.15am and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) to contact Tramore Garda Station on 051 391620, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Investigations are ongoing.
Additional reporting Éilís Sheehy, Kate Carolan