Woman (50s) stabbed at Waterford church named, attacker 'not known to her'

Sarah Slater

An Irishman in his 30s is in Garda custody following the alleged stabbing of a woman aged in her 50s during an incident while Mass was being celebrated in Tramore, Co Waterford.

The woman was named locally as Mary McNamara, and according to a local councillor the attacker "was not known to her". 

Local Sinn Féin councillor Jim Griffin described her “as a well-known and highly respected lady. Mary ran away screaming from her attacker. He was not known to her".

“Mary will be ok medically but all our thoughts are with her and her family.”

It is understood the man is from the local area.

Emergency services attended the scene of the stabbing incident in the Holy Cross Church, Tramore, which occurred shortly after 10am.

An Garda Siochana and the National Ambulance Service responded to a call before 10am this morning.

The local woman is understood to have been stabbed on the altar of the church.

She has been transferred to University Hospital Waterford (UHW) for treatment of her injuries.

The injuries she sustained are not believed to be life-threatening.

It is understood that the man walked into the church and accosted the woman and then stabbed her.

The man was arrested at the scene by gardaí. It is understood the alleged incident may have been religious-based.

Shocked parishioners immediately phoned emergency services while the incident was taking place.

In a statement, the local Catholic diocese commended the courage shown by the parishioners who assisted during the "frightening incident".

"The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore is deeply shocked by the violent incident which occurred this morning during Mass," the diocese said in the statement.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with any information to contact Tramore Garda Station on 051 391620.

Local Independent councillor Joe Kelly, who is a weekly Mass goer said: “Our first thoughts have to be with the victim and with her family. People are traumatised by what has happened.

“This incident of criminal behaviour would make anyone ask if they are safe anywhere, especially in a place which is meant to be a sacred, solemn and holy place.

“I believe the pressures of today are making the fabric of society fray at the edges. To see something happen in a Catholic Church makes you feel that no place is safe."

Cllr Kelly said he would be providing support to those in Tramore throughout the coming days.