Police in Ireland are investigating whether an attack on an army chaplain in County Galway was linked to terrorism.

Fr Paul Murphy, was stabbed outside Renmore Army Barracks at about 10.45pm on Thursday.

The chaplain, who’s in his fifties, was stabbed a number of times and sustained injuries which are serious but not life-threatening. He posted on social media that he is "doing okay, and awaiting surgery".

He added: "Friends, thank you for your prayers, love, and concern…Sorry that I can't reply to all messages and take all the calls coming my way. All will be well."

A teenaged boy was arrested outside the barracks after being restrained by members of the military. He remains in custody at a Garda (Irish Police) station.

A spokesperson for Ireland's Defence Forces said shots had been fired by on-duty forces personnel “in strict accordance with force protection protocols after a Defence Forces member was assaulted by a male civilian".

"The soldiers on duty responded to the immediate threat with appropriate force to ensure the safety of personnel and secure the area.

"The assailant was quickly detained and handed over to An Garda Siochana, who are now conducting a full investigation into the incident.

"The injured Defence Forces member was provided with immediate first aid at the scene before being transported to hospital for further treatment.

"We can confirm that the victim's injuries while serious, are not life-threatening," they added.

Irish Police have confirmed that terrorism is one line of inquiry, but that "at this time it is not believed this incident is part of a wider conspiracy".

Ireland's defence minister Michael Martin said in a statement: "I condemn the violent attack at Renmore Barracks last night.

"I commend the members of the Defence Forces on duty at the time, whose intervention was critical. Our thoughts are with the Defence Forces member injured in the attack."