Young girl suffering life-changing injuries from Parnell Square attack celebrates 'low-key' New Years at home
The six-year-old was one of three children who was attacked by a man wielding a knife outside Gaelscoil Colaiste Mhuire on November 23, 2023.
A young girl who was seriously injured in the Parnell Square attack in Dublin celebrated a “low-key” New Year’s Eve celebration over a year after the tragedy.
The six-year-old was one of three children who was attacked by a man wielding a knife outside Gaelscoil Colaiste Mhuire on November 23, 2023. She is now living with life-changing injuries, including an acquired brain injury, and she spent over a year in hospital and rehabilitation.
Over €125,000 has been raised on GoFundMe for the six-year-old, and her parents have been giving updates about their little girl's condition on the fundraiser.
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On New Year’s Eve they wrote: “This time last year, we were in Temple Street, wishing nothing more than the chance to bring our darling home. I put some glowsticks next to her in bed, slept on the chair beside her, and had a sip of alcohol-free Prosecco.
“Fast forward a year, and we can safely say that there is nowhere we would rather be: home, in our pj's, having a low-key New Year celebration. On this eve, we wish health, love, hope, forgiveness, strength, and resilience. May 2025 grant us all with patience, tolerance, perseverance, accomplishments, and victories.”
The family also got to enjoy Christmas at home together. Santa Claus left some “lovely presents” for the young girl and she celebrated the day using adapted swings at a new playground. While the six-year-old is nonverbal, her parents say they believe she understands everything they are saying to her and is making “great progress.”
Two weeks ago, they wrote: “This is our third week at home. Our little girl is already used to sleeping in her bed every day, and we have understood how much having a routine helps with her development.
“She is becoming accustomed to being in her stander, playing with her toys, and announcing when something is not okay. It is important for her to feel we can understand her sounds and looks. I have managed to put together some activities which are manageable given the home environment. Christmas will be special this year.”
Riad Bouchaker, 50, of no fixed abode, has been charged in relation to the attack.
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