Woman Stabbed in Chest While Praying During Service Inside Catholic Church

A woman was seriously injured after she was allegedly stabbed in the chest while praying inside a Catholic church in Ireland, leaving parishioners scrambling to help as the attacker fled.

The frightening incident unfolded shortly before the 10 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church in Tramore, County Waterford, on Tuesday, July 21.

The victim, identified in court as Mary McNamara, was reportedly kneeling and reciting the Rosary before the service when she was attacked. Witnesses said the woman screamed and attempted to get away after being stabbed.

Emergency services were called at approximately 9:45 a.m. Parishioners rushed to the injured woman’s aid while police launched an immediate search for the suspect.

McNamara, who is in her 50s, was taken to University Hospital Waterford, where she underwent emergency surgery for a stab wound to her chest. Although her injuries were described as serious, they were not believed to be life-threatening.

Police arrested a local man at a nearby home a short time later and recovered a knife believed to have been connected to the attack. Investigators have also been reviewing security footage from inside the church as they work to establish a motive and determine whether the suspect and victim knew one another.

The suspect was later identified as 36-year-old Niall Cummins, of the Willows in Clarinwood, Tramore.

Cummins appeared before Waterford District Court on Wednesday and was charged with assault causing harm and possessing a sharply bladed knife at Holy Cross Church.

A police officer told the court that Cummins made no reply when he was arrested at approximately 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Cummins did not apply for bail during the hearing and was remanded in custody. The court also ordered that he undergo a psychiatric evaluation before his next appearance, which is scheduled to take place by video link on Monday, July 28. Prosecutors indicated that the state would oppose any future attempt to secure bail.

The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore said it was “deeply shocked” by the violence and praised the parishioners who stepped forward to help during the chaos.

“The Diocese of Waterford and Lismore is deeply shocked by the violent incident which occurred this morning during Mass,” church officials said.

The diocese also commended the courage of those who assisted during the “frightening incident,” as well as the professionalism of police officers, paramedics and other emergency workers.

Holy Cross Church reopened for its regularly scheduled 10 a.m. Mass the following morning as the shaken seaside community attempted to return to normal.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive for the attack. The case is now before the courts.