Man charged with assault of priest during Mass at Ennis Cathedral
A man assaulted a Catholic priest during Mass at St Peter and St Paul Cathedral in Ennis, causing facial injuries and damaging personal property. The incident involved physical violence and disruption of worship in front of members of the congregation. The suspect has been charged and appeared before court.
On 20 April 2026, a 31-year-old man allegedly assaulted Fr Joy Micle during Mass at St Peter and St Paul Cathedral on O’Connell Street in Ennis, Ireland. According to testimony presented in court, the accused scraped the priest’s face, causing injuries to his right temple and cheek. During the incident, the priest’s eyeglasses fell to the floor and were broken.
The incident took place in the presence of members of the congregation. Other churchgoers intervened and came to the priest’s assistance. The accused is also alleged to have used threatening, abusive or insulting language during the incident.
The individual has been charged with assault causing harm under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, as well as criminal damage relating to the destruction of the priest’s eyeglasses. He also faces a charge of using or engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.
Following the incident, the suspect appeared before Ennis District Court. Gardaí opposed bail, citing concerns about potential interference with witnesses, noting that the priest regularly resides at the cathedral. Bail was granted with conditions, including a prohibition from entering Ennis except for court appearances, a nightly curfew, and no contact with the alleged victim or witnesses. The accused was remanded on bail to appear again before the court.
Source: Irish Times, Laois Nationalist, Clare Echo
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