TRAMORE, CO WATERFORD — A 36-year-old man has been charged after a woman was stabbed while praying in Holy Cross Church on Tuesday morning.
Niall Cummins, of 34 The Willows, Clarinwood, Tramore, appeared before Judge John Cheatle at Waterford District Court on Wednesday morning charged with:
Assault causing harm contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997
Possession of a sharply bladed knife contrary to Section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 2009
The Attack
The alleged assault occurred as the woman, in her 50s, was saying the rosary just before the 10am Mass on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. Emergency services were called at 9:45am.
The woman was taken to hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Court Appearance
Sergeant Robert Flynn gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution. Cummins replied "no comment" to both charges.
He was not represented in court due to the ongoing solicitors' strike over changes to legal aid payments. When asked if he wished to apply for bail, Cummins said "no, not really."
Judge Cheatle remanded him in custody and ordered a psychological evaluation and report. He is due to appear via videolink at Waterford District Court next Tuesday.