A woman aged in her 50s has been seriously injured in a suspected stabbing during Mass at Holy Cross Church in Summerhill, Tramore, Co Waterford. The incident occurred at approximately 9.45am on Tuesday.
Injuries and Response
The woman sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Waterford University Hospital for treatment. Gardaí confirmed that a man in his 30s was arrested at a nearby domestic residence and a knife was seized. The knife will undergo technical examination.
Church Statement
The Diocese of Waterford & Lismore expressed being “deeply shocked” by the violent incident during Mass. In a statement, they said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured parishioner, and we pray for her full and speedy recovery. 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.” They asked for prayers for the injured woman and the parish community.
Arrest and Investigation
The arrested man is being detained at a Garda station in Co Waterford under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Gardaí have appealed for witnesses or anyone with video footage from the area between 9.15am and 10.15am on Tuesday to come forward.
