MANY school children are still receiving counselling a year after the “deeply traumatic” Parnell Square attack, a principal has revealed.
Three children and a care worker were injured in an attack outside a school Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire on November 23 last year.
Following the attack, the city descended into chaos as widespread rioting broke out off the back of floods of misinformation on social media.
Speaking one year on, principal of the gaelscoil Pat Montague told how the critical incident was deeply traumatic experiences for pupils, their parents and staff.
He explained that the process of recovery is still very much ongoing and therefore would not be doing any media.
Mr Montague said: “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.
‘HEALING PROCESS’
“However, because the trauma is still very real for so many in the school community – and the healing process will take some time yet – we are determined not to do anything which might re-traumatise our pupils, staff and their families.
“While we understand the public and media interest a year on from the critical incident outside our school and what occurred after it, we have decided that – apart from issuing this statement – we will not be doing any interviews or making any further comment.
“We really appreciate your understanding of this position.”
While a young boy, girl and carer were discharged from hospital, the other victim of the attack has had a much longer battle.
MAKING STRIDES
Now aged six, the brave little girl, who is now unable to talk, only returned home from hospital at the end of August.
On a fundraising page for her, her mum said that she remembers the day as “the incident” and not the “tragedy.”
But she admitted it has been a tough 12 months, as he daughter struggles to move or communicate as she used to.
And the mum said: “Me and my husband have had to relearn how to be a parent. It is different parenting altogether.
“And she has had to relearn being a child, with extreme limitations.
‘A WARRIOR’
“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.
“We strongly believe, despite medical assessments and reports, that she understands everything we say to her. She, like most 6-year-olds, chooses what she wishes to acknowledge.”
She added that the little girl has made “great progress”, adding: “We don’t wish her to stop. 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.”
