Judge Criticises Mental Health System As Man Charged In Maynooth Attack

Wednesday, 5 February 2025 19:50

By Martin Osborne

A priest suffered significant damage to one of his eyes.

A 28-year-old man, Damien Connolly Prouse from Ballivor in Meath, has been charged with seven offences, including allegedly punching a priest at St Patrick’s Pontifical University in Maynooth.

The incident, which occurred on February 3, also involved assaults on three others, criminal damage, and attempted burglary.

At Naas District Court, Prouse’s father made an emotional plea, stating that his son, who has schizophrenia, had never received adequate mental health care.

He described how his son’s condition had worsened after a medication change and that he had previously pleaded with doctors not to release him from psychiatric care.

The court, according to The Journal, heard that the attack was unprovoked, with the priest suffering serious eye injuries requiring surgery.

Gardaí stated that Prouse showed no remorse and admitted to the offences.

Bail was denied due to concerns over witness interference and further offences.

Judge Desmond Zaidan criticised Ireland’s psychiatric system, calling for legal reforms to consider family input in mental health assessments.

He ordered Prouse to undergo a full psychiatric evaluation at Cloverhill Prison’s medical wing, stating that proper treatment was needed.

He said he would have referred Prouse to the Central Mental Hospital but he would probably be informed that a bed was not available.

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