A Co Kerry priest who was subjected to a "vicious" assault may have been targeted because it was thought he had the proceeds of the annual parish bazaar in his possession, gardaí believe.
Fr Michael O'Leary (68), the parish priest of Ballymacelliggott, was seriously injured on Sunday night when he was attacked at his home, possibly with a slash hook.
Tralee-based Garda Supt Pat Sullivan said yesterday he had dealt with "most things" in Co Kerry, but never had to deal with a "vicious" assault on a priest.
Fr O'Leary was attacked after he returned to the presbytery adjacent to St Brendan's Church, Clogher, between 8.30pm and 9pm, following the first day of his parish's two-day annual bazaar.
He was struck from behind and hit on the head a number of times, with "an implement with a blade", Supt Sullivan said.
The priest did not have the bazaar money. It is likely his assailant was hooded and had been lying in wait.
Bleeding profusely, Fr O'Leary made his way across the road to the home of Veronica and Denis McMahon, a couple he married two years ago. Ms McMahon and her husband tended to him, tried to cover his wounds, and called the emergency services.
Fr O'Leary was taken by ambulance to Kerry General Hospital where his condition was described yesterday as serious but not life-threatening.
Gardaí yesterday sealed off the presbytery. Relatives of Fr O'Leary, who is from the Farranfore area, called to the scene. Door-to-door inquiries were being carried out and gardaí appealed for information.
Last year, according to locals, the parish bazaar raised €10,000 and the event on Sunday was widely advertised in Tralee and elsewhere.
Ms McMahon said yesterday Fr O'Leary banged on a window shortly after 9pm. When she opened her door she saw "blood everywhere". There were "big slashes" on Fr O'Leary's head, and his arms and other parts of his body were also gashed.
Locals said they were not surprised the priest was able to escape from his assailant. Fr O'Leary is a fit man who does his own gardening and is known to walk regularly, his neighbours said. Ms McMahon said he was "very well liked" and had been in the parish for up to 12 years.
Other locals spoke of their shock yesterday. Fianna Fáil TD Tom McEllistrim, who is from the parish, said: "It is particularly disturbing that the attack was perpetrated on a respected priest in our community who is a friend to everyone and cares deeply about his parishioners."
The spokesman for the diocese of Kerry, Fr Gearóid Godley, said it was "outrageous" that such an incident could occur following an event in which people were doing good for the community.
"We are concerned about Fr O'Leary and hope he will recover from the whole shock of it. Our thoughts are also with the community at this time. They are all very upset, " Fr Godley said.