Man arrested after weekend of horror

Man arrested after weekend of horror

13 August 2025

A 30 year-old man arrested in connection with the murder of Downpatrick man Stephen Brannigan and the attempted murder of parish priest Canon John Murray remains in custody this morning.

The man was arrested on Sunday after Canon Murray (75) was brutally assaulted as he prepared to celebrate his final Mass at St Patrick’s Church ahead of his retirement tomorrow.

As the emergency services rushed to the church, police were made aware that Mr Brannigan (56) had been fatally injured at his Marian Park home.

Officers have confirmed that both incidents are linked with the man being questioned.

Downpatrick remains in shock at the weekend’s unimaginable horror, with forensic officers carrying out detailed searches at two properties at Marian Park and at St Patrick’s Church as part of a major investigation.

Officers from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team are overseeing the probe into exactly what happened last weekend and the sequence of events as they unfolded.

On Sunday evening, several hundred people attended a community-led prayer service held at St Brigid’s Church close to Marian Park, while yesterday morning, a second prayer service was held in St Colmcille’s Church led by the Bishop of Down and Connor, Alan McGuckian.

Fr Martin Graham, who led Sunday’s service, said it was about being with the parishioners and praying with them, for Fr Murray and “for the other poor man who lost his life”.

He said Fr Murray had given the last 11 years of life to the parish and was due to retire on Thursday.

“He is so well thought of by the people here,” he said. “It is just heartbreaking for them in what was supposed to be a poignant farewell this morning that it turned into something which was just grotesque.”

Mr Brannigan family have thanked people for the love and care they have been shown following his murder.

Describing the widower as a “beloved father and grandfather” they have also expressed concern for Canon Murray.

In a statement on Monday, Mr Brannigan’s family said: “In the midst of our shock, pain and total heartbreak at the news of the brutal murder of our beloved dad, grandad, son and brother Stephen yesterday, we want to convey our sincere thanks to all those who have surrounded us with such love and care in the hours that have followed.

“We want to express our particular thanks to those who organised and gathered for the beautiful prayer vigil in St Brigid’s Church in the town on Sunday evening.”

The family said this means so much to them at this difficult time and reflects the very special people who make up the Marian Park and wider Downpatrick community.

The Brannigan family said Canon Murray is “highly respected” by them and everyone in the community and revealed he was praying for them despite being in hospital with serious injuries.

Meanwhile, as police enquiries continue into Mr Brannigan’s murder and the horrific attack on Canon Murray, the district’s senior police chief has revealed additional officers will be on patrol in Downpatrick over the coming days.

Superintendent Norman Haslett, the PSNI’s District Commander, said he wants to reassure the community that there is no ongoing risk to the public, even though they will see an increased visible police presence.

The police chief expressed his sympathy to family members, friends and the wider community in Downpatrick left shaken by the weekend’s tragic events.

“For a man to be murdered and a priest to be attacked in the sanctity of his own church, these are appalling acts and I understand that many people will inevitably be struggling to come to terms with both grief and shock,” he said.

“I want to reassure the local community that there is no ongoing risk to the public and you will see an increased visible police presence in the area over the next few days.”

Police have issued a fresh appeal for information with enquiries ongoing in an effort to establish the facts surrounding both incidents. They say any detail, no matter how small, could be of vital importance to their investigation.

As Canon Murray recovers from his injuries in hospital, parishioners say they are continuing to pray for him, describing him as a “fabulous priest” who is extremely well thought of.

Bishop McGuckian, who visited Canon Murray and his family on Sunday evening, said the priest was able to join in with prayers at the hospital’s emergency department.

“Canon Murray suffered some serious injuries, but he was stable on Sunday night and the doctors said on Monday that he was comfortable, so that’s very encouraging,”he continued.

“I prayed with him and the doctors said on Monday that he was comfortable so that is very encouraging.”

Bishop McGuckian added: “He knew we were there and joined in with us in the prayers. He is an injured man and we are grateful to hear that he is stable.”