Trauma 'still very real' for students of Parnell Square school one year following horrific stabbing

Children of the school where a stabbing incident occurred in Dublin’s Parnell Square are still deeply traumatised as today marks one year since the tragedy occurred.

On November 23, 2023, riots broke out in Dublin city after three young children and a care worker were injured outside Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square. A five-year-old girl was critically injured in the incident and is facing a long road to recovery.

A man was subsequently arrested in connection with the attack. Flames later engulfed the city as it was taken over by violence and thuggery.

READ MORE - Family of young girl injured in Parnell Square attack hopeful she will be home before Christmas

READ MORE - 'Little warrior' seriously injured in Parnell Square attack still non-verbal but communicating through a computer

Hundreds of people wreaked havoc following the incident, as a garda car was lit on fire, buses and trams were destroyed and shops were looted. In a statement released today, Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire said the critical incident and the riots that followed “were deeply traumatic experiences for our pupils, their parents, our staff and the wider school community.”

It added: "From the moment the critical incident occurred, our focus has been on helping the children and the wider school community – many of whom are still receiving therapeutic supports – to recover. We’re extraordinarily grateful to all who provided help and support at the time and since."

Gardai clash with protestors during the Dublin riots in November last year.
(Image: Collins Photo Agency Dublin)





A Garda car set on fire during the riots in Dublin.
(Image: Collins Photo Agency Dublin)

The school added that the trauma is "still very real" for the community, and the healing process will "take some time". The mother of the young girl who was left fighting for her life following the incident said she does not wish to remember the tragedy.

Her family has been sharing updates on her condition over the past year on GoFundMe, which has raised over €115,000. On Thursday, her mother said that instead of remembering that horrific day last year, they choose "rebirth, triumph, resilience".

She continued: "Don't get me wrong, I experience at least a dozen different emotions throughout the day as I think of her, pass by some spot in town which held significance to us, sing 'All my Loving' to get a smile out of her. It is tough.

"So much has happened, and our little girl has endured so much, yet she still manages to bolster a smile, even when crying.” The girl’s mother explained that both she and her husband are having to "relearn" how to be parents and that their daughter has to “relearn being a child with extreme limitations".

She added: "It is different parenting altogether. And she has had to relearn being a child, with extreme limitations. She cannot move or communicate as she used to, so she has to understand the meaning of patience. It takes a lot out of her to lift her arms, but she is a warrior and she does it."

Her parents strongly believe that despite medical assessments and reports she understands everything they say to her. They continued: "She, like most six-year-olds, chooses what she wishes to acknowledge. We are on the home stretch for home. We get to make our schedule and allow your pace to dictate activities.

"2025 will be a brand new experience, another one we will also have to adapt to." The family remains hopeful for their little girl's future, as they say she continues to make great progress.

Her mother added: "Only time will truly tell. Some people with acquired brain injuries have still shown change and improvement up to 10 years later. We've got time.

"It is a lot to take in, for all of those involved, the children, the parents, the school staff. I would like to thank everyone for the love and support over these 12 months. Hug your loved ones extra tight."

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.