A priest is recovering in hospital after being attacked in Co Kerry last night.
Father Michael O'Leary (68) was set upon by a masked man as he got out of his car in the grounds of St Brendan's Church, Clogher, Ballymacelligott, shortly after 8.30pm last night.
The victim was hit several times on the head and body with a sharp implement, possibly a bat with a blade embedded in it.
The priest is said to be in a serious condition in Kerry General Hospital in Tralee. It is understood his hands were badly injured, and he lost a substantial amount of blood.
However, his injuries are not understood to be life-threatening. He is undergoing surgery today.
A Health Service Executive spokesman said Fr O'Leary was in a comfortable condition.
The motive for the attack is unknown, although gardaí are investigating the possibility Father O'Leary, who had just returned home from the annual parish bazaar in the local community centre, was the target of a robbery.
Sister Bernardine Broderick, parish sister, said local people were shocked by the attack. "It's terrible that this has happened," she said. "The only thing is I could have found him outside the door dead this morning. He got a bashing anyway but he put up a good fight."
Kerry North Fianna Fáil TD Tom McEllistrim described the attack as a "despicable act of cowardice" that was carried out with no respect for human life.
"The attack on Fr O'Leary, who I know well in my local parish, was horrific and a reminder to us all that there still lurk in our communities thugs who will stop at nothing to carry out their evil deeds," he 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 parishoners."
Any witnesses or anyone with information on the assault is asked to contact gardaí in Tralee on 066 710 2300.