Niall Cummins, with an address at The Willows, Clarinwood, Tramore, stood before Judge John Cheatle at Waterford District Court on Wednesday morning charged in connection with a suspected stabbing incident before mass at a church in Co Waterford.
Incident at Holy Cross Church
A woman in her 50s suffered serious injuries during the incident at the Holy Cross Church in Summerhill in Tramore at approximately 9.45am on Tuesday. Gardaí confirmed the woman sustained severe but non-life threatening injuries and was rushed to Waterford University Hospital.
Sergeant Robert Flynn informed the court that Mr Cummins, who is in his 30s, was detained at 10am on Tuesday at The Willows and remained silent when questioned.
Court proceedings
The court was told the State is opposing bail and has requested a psychiatric assessment. Mr Cummins chose not to seek bail on Wednesday and is scheduled to appear before the court again on July 27 via video link.
Diocese statement
On Tuesday, the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore released a statement expressing it was "deeply shocked" by "a violent incident" that occurred before the 10am weekday mass at the Holy Cross Church.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured parishioner, and we pray for her full and speedy recovery," it said in a statement. "We wish to commend the courage and presence of mind shown by the parishioners who assisted during this frightening incident. We also thank the priests of the parish for their immediate pastoral care and concern, and we express our sincere gratitude to An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service and all emergency personnel for their prompt response. We ask the people of the diocese to pray for the injured woman, for everyone affected by this distressing incident, and for the parish community of Holy Cross, Tramore."
