Councillors and TDs react to stabbing at a church in Waterford

Councillors and TDs in Waterford have been reacting to this morning's suspected stabbing at the Holy Cross Church in Tramore.

Cllr Jim Griffin told the Waterford News and Star that he has been visiting some of the residents who attend Mass at the church.

He said that some are very frightened while others are defiant and said they would go to the church more often in solidarity and to show that incidents like these are not acceptable in their community.

“To say they are in shock is putting it mildly. They thought they were safe in their little sanctuary, but when I told them that it seemed like a random incident, they were relieved. The few I have spoken to are very much in disbelief.

“The emergency services plan went into overdrive. The response from them and the gardaí was unbelievable.

“We were in awe of how quick their response was.

“I know they get a lot of criticism for not being on the ground, but today in Tramore they blew it out of the water, and I will go on record to say that,” said Cllr Griffin.

Tramore councillor Blaise Hannigan said the incident was shocking to the tight-knit community.

He said that there are people who go to Mass every day and that the church community is like a family.

“It's totally shocking. It's something unheard of in our town. Hopefully the woman will make a full recovery, and I pass on my sympathies to her family as well, said Cllr Hannigan.

Fine Gael TD and Minister for State John Cummins issued a statement this afternoon in which he said his thoughts were with the victim, her family and everyone who witnessed the incident.

“People attend Mass expecting to find peace, comfort and a place of sanctuary. The community of Tramore is very tight-knit, and this shocking incident has understandably shaken the entire community.

I know the people of Waterford will be deeply upset by what has happened.

This is a live Garda investigation, and I’m urging anyone with information to provide that to Gardaí.

I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services and An Garda Síochána who attended the scene, said Minister Cummins.

In a social media post, Councillor Eamon Quinlan encouraged people to come together following the incident.

“Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones. At times like this, it is so important for communities to rally together. I encourage all those who are in a position to provide information to Gardai to please do so, said Cllr Quinlan.

Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness said, also on social media, that his thoughts were with the victim and her family and asked people to give the gardaí space to do their jobs.

Deputy David Cullinane echoed his colleague's sentiment and added his thanks to the emergency services and gardaí for their response.