An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 23 AN BONN AN BONN SEIRBHÍSE SEIRBHÍSE DEARSCNA DEARSCNA O n the 12th of February 2026 Minister for Defence, Ms Helen McEntee T.D., accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, presented Distinguished Service Medals (DSM) to Corporal Daniel Padden, Private Dylan Geraghty, Private Ciara Shanahan and Father Paul Murphy. "For exceptional bravery arising out of risk to his own life and the lives of others during a violent attack in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa on 15 Aug 2024. Pte Geraghty exhibited extraordinary courage and a disciplined use of force by physically engaging and restraining an armed assailant at significant personal risk. His selfless actions neutralised the attacker, prevented loss of life and reflect immense credit upon himself and the Defence Forces." "For distinguished service in displaying leadership and courage during a violent attack in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa. On 15 Aug 2024, Cpl Padden, despite personal risk displayed exceptional leadership and composure by swiftly directing the response, issuing warnings, and safely neutralising an armed attacker. His decisive actions and controlled use of force prevented further harm, removed the threat to life and reflected great credit upon himself and the Defence Forces." "For distinguished service arising from a violent attack on himself on 15 Aug 2024 in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa. Fr Paul Murphy displayed courage, leadership and devotion to duty in both his immediate reaction during the incident and by personifying the Defence Forces Core Values in the aftermath of this life changing event. His actions and humanity reflect great credit upon himself and on the Irish Defence Forces." "For distinguished service in displaying courage and devotion to duty during a violent attack in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa. On 15 Aug 2024, Pte Shanahan, despite personal risk demonstrated vigilance and bravery by immediately alerting others to an armed threat and courageously attempting to distract the attacker despite being unarmed. Her initiative and composure enabled a disciplined and effective response and reflected great credit upon herself and the Defence Forces." Dylan Geraghty (Private) Is Awarded The Distinguished Service Medal, With Honour Daniel Padden (Corporal) Is Awarded The Distinguished Service Medal, With Distinction Paul Murphy (Father) Is Awarded The Distinguished Service Medal, With Merit Ciara Shanahan (Private) Is Awarded The Distinguished Service Medal, With Merit

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