The family of a little girl critically injured in the 2023 Parnell Square stabbing attack in Dublin has issued a poignant year-end update, suggesting that one day the seven-year-old may be the one to tell her own story of survival.
In a statement released via a fundraising page, the girl’s mother reflected on a year of “heartache” and transformation, shifting from a state of “memory and hope” to one of “marvel.”
Notably, the page indicates that €145,979 has been raised to date.
A JOURNEY OF “TENACITY”
The child, who was five years old when she was seriously injured in the knife attack outside Coláiste Mhuire on November 23rd, 2023, has spent much of the past year undergoing intensive rehabilitation.
Her mother described her daughter’s recovery as a testament to her personal strength, calling her an “angel warrior” whose progress has defied the initial dark days following the tragedy.
“Those who are constantly around our angel warrior can testify to her tenacity and her happiness,” the statement read.
“I marvel at how far she has come, how much joy she spreads, and I truly hope everyone can witness how infectious her laughter and strength are.”
FOCUS ON RECOVERY
While the family has remained largely private throughout the ordeal, the update offered a rare glimpse into the child’s personality at age seven.
The mother noted that while she and her husband are dedicated to providing the best opportunities for recovery, they are the ones learning from their daughter’s “patience and kindness,” adding that this was a “gift”.
“The page may be closing, but her journey is only beginning,” the mother wrote.
“And perhaps one day she chooses to tell her own story. We will leave it to her.”
The girl reached a significant milestone when she managed to stand for the first time since the attack in February of this year.
In an earlier statement in June this year, over a year and a half after the attack, the family had stated that their daughter was still receiving “back-to-back physio, occupational, and speech and language therapies. “
“After being at home full-time since the end of November, we are day patients in rehabilitation. She has come quite far, and prospects are positive,” they said at the time, noting that they were adjusting to living with a child who had a “disability”.
BACKGROUND
The stabbing incident in November 2023 sparked widespread shock across Ireland left two other children and an adult créche worker also injured in the attack. The incident was followed by a night of significant civil unrest and rioting in Dublin City Centre.
A man has since been charged in relation to the incident and the matter remains before the courts.
As the year concludes, the family expressed gratitude for the public support they have received, wishing the public “enjoyable festivities” and hoping that the message taken from their daughter’s story is “a beautiful one.”