Events ‘horrified local community’

Events ‘horrified local community’

13 August 2025

AS the devastating fallout from last Sunday’s horrific incidents continues to reverberate across the town, politicians have been expressing their shock.

South Down MP Chris Hazzard described the events which unfolded last weekend as “deeply shocking”.

He said the death of Mr Brannigan and the vicious attack on Canon Murray at St Patrick’s Church “deeply saddened and horrified the local community”.

Mr Hazzard said his thoughts were with all those affected by the tragic events including family and friends of the victims, parishioners who were on their way to Mass on Sunday morning and the emergency services who attended the scenes.

Mr Hazzard is urging anyone with information about either of the incidents to contact police to assist them with their investigations and appealed for people to give police and the authorities the space and time to be able to carry out their investigation and to not speculate.

“There is a family that is grieving and a wider community left devastated. Speculation serves no purpose whatsoever and indeed will hinder any investigation,” he added.

South Down MLAs Colin McGrath, Cathy Mason, Andy McMurray and Diane Forsythe have also expressed their shock.

Mr McGrath said the “disgraceful attack” on Canon Murray left him in a serious condition in hospital. 

“For this to happen in the church is particularly disgusting and I have spoken to many members of the community who are shocked and upset that this has taken place,” he said.

“My thoughts are with the priest and others impacted by this attack. I hope that he makes a quick recovery and that the person responsible is apprehended.”

Mrs Mason said the weekend incidents were “truly horrific” and left the local community shocked and devastated.

“This is a despicable act that must be utterly condemned,” she declared.

“My thoughts are with everyone affected by these tragic events, – the family and friends of the victims, the parishioners of St Patrick’s Church and the emergency services personnel who responded in such distressing circumstances.”

She also urged anyone information to come forward and assist the police with their investigations.

Mr McMurray, who attended Sunday night’s service in St Brigid’s Church, said he shared the “shock and distress” felt by the Downpatrick community.

He continued: “This is a tragic day for Downpatrick; the heart-breaking events left many in the local community in shock on what should be a day of peace and rest.

“My thoughts and sympathies are with the family, friends and loved ones of the two victims of today’s attacks, as well as anyone who has been impacted and I wish Canon Murray all the best for a hopefully speedy recovery.”

Mr McMurray also thanked police officers for acting “swiftly and professionally” in dealing with the incidents, under what he described as “difficult and distressing circumstances”.

Ms Forsythe condemned what she described as the “shocking and disgraceful attack on a religious leader in a place of worship”.

She added: “There is no place for violent attacks in our society and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire community as they process this devastating murder as well as the serious assault earlier today.”

Downpatrick councillor Conor Galbraith, who visited Marian Park, said Sunday was a very difficult day for people in Downpatrick.

“People locally are devastated that this has happened on their doorsteps,” he said. “A family is in mourning and it’s really sad that this has resulted in two daughters and grandchildren left behind,” he added.

“And for what, we just don’t know why.”

Former Downpatrick councillor Dermot Curran described the attack on Canon Murray as “disgusting” and said his thoughts and those of many people will be with him and the Brannigan family.