'Little warrior' seriously injured in Parnell Square attack still non-verbal but communicating through a computer
by Ciara O'Loughlin · Irish MirrorA young girl who was seriously injured after allegedly being stabbed in the Parnell Square attack almost a year ago is still non-verbal but is communicating through a computer.
In an update on GoFundMe, her family said she has “come so far” but she still has much to accomplish. The six-year-old girl is one of three children who were injured in the stabbing outside Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square on November 23, 2023.
Hero creche worker Leanne Flynn Keogh was also injured in the attack while trying to protect the children. The young girl was released from Temple Street Hospital on August 30, after 281 days.
READ MORE:Child previously attacked in Parnell Square stabbing witnessed latest knife incident outside school
However, she is currently in rehabilitation, and her family hope she will be fully home before Christmas. So far, €114,375 has been raised for the girl and her family following the tragedy.
On Tuesday, her family gave an update on her condition, saying they are delighted she is now able to communicate through a computer. They said: “We have had family over from far away and they were so impressed with how much she has improved.
"She has been more in control of her neck movements. She can lift her head more and more without assistance. She can move her arms up purposefully, and grasp objects with full intent. She is working on her ability to communicate through a computer programme, and is getting faster at it.” The family said that even when she is having a rough day, she will still smile when people walk into her room.
They added: “Almost a year in. Time has flown, and we have come so far. We still have so much to accomplish.” The little girl celebrated her sixth birthday two weeks ago, which her family said was “bittersweet”.
They said: “She had just turned 5 when all this started. She had been in Junior infants for a couple of months. She had plans for her 5: she wanted to master riding a bike in order to get roller skates by the time she turned 6. We had to put that plan on hold.
“It isn't easy thinking of what could've been, but it's important not to dwell in the unknown. We try to focus on the now and enjoy all the special moments we have.” On August 28, her parents said many people have asked why it’s taken the little girl so long to recover.
They said: “The human brain is a very complex organ. Deprive it of oxygen for too long and the body suffers. The longer it takes to get it working again, the longer it is to regain function.
“Our little warrior has a few things going for her: she is young, she was a healthy girl before this all happened, she has a great team working with her, a loving family, loving friends, and prayers from all over. There is no rush. We will take the blessings as they come.”
A man has been charged with the attempted murder of the three children and causing serious harm to the care worker. Riad Bouchaker, who is of no fixed abode, remains in custody awaiting trial.
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