A priest who was attacked in Downpatrick last month is to require in-patient care for an “indefinite duration”, according to a social media post by Downpatrick Family of Churches.
Father John Murray was struck in the head with a bottle during an attack at St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick on Sunday, August 10.
He was hospitalised immediately after, and a man has since been charged with murder and attempted murder after the body of another man, Stephen Brannigan (56), was found at a nearby property on the same day.
Hugh Malone (30), of no fixed address but from the Belfast area, appeared in Downpatrick Magistrates Court today (September 4).
Fr Eugene O’Neill led mass at the church at the end of August and told parishioners that Canon Murray was “comfortable and moving quietly and prayerfully, as is his characteristic manner, towards recovery.”
Fr Murray was due to retire as parish priest of St Patrick’s to be succeeded by Fr O’Neill.
On Thursday, Downpatrick Family of Parishes posted on Facebook: “We are pleased to say that Fr John continues to make good progress, though he still requires in-patient treatment of an indefinite duration.
“He is now back in Downpatrick, having been recently transferred from the RVH to the Downe Hospital.
“As before, visits are restricted to immediate family and clergy.
“As always both Fr John and ourselves wish to express our appreciation for all the prayers and messages of goodwill, and our gratitude to all the medical staff for their care.”