THE family of the youngster who was injured in Parnell Square in Dublin last year have issued a fresh update ahead of the first anniversary.
The little girl was only five-years-old at the time of the incident on November 23 last year and was left in critical condition.
In the year following the attack, the now six-year-old’s family have been sharing regular updates on her condition through a GoFundMe – which has raised over €115,000.
Recalling the horrific day, the girl’s family said they no longer want to think of it as a tragedy, but rather a time of “rebirth”.
They said: “This Saturday marks one year since the incident. I guess calling it an incident is as good a word as any.
“Others come to mind, but we don’t wish to remember the tragedy. We choose rebirth, triumph, resilience.
“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.”
In the year passing, while so many changes have occurred for the youngster, the family said she still keeps a smile on her face.
They revealed that despite being so young, she has had to learn patience and a new way of understanding.
They also noted that as parents, they too have had to “relearn” a different type of parenting.
They continued: “So much has happened, and our little girl has endured so much, yet she still manages to bolster a smile, even when crying.
“Granny says she doesn’t know if she laughs or if she cries. 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.
“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.”
‘THE HOME STRETCH’
Through various different medical examinations over the last year, it has become clear that the girl knows what is going on around her despite being unable to communicate.
They said: “We strongly believe, despite medical assessments and reports, that she understands everything we say to her. She, like most 6-year-old’s, 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.
“She has made great progress, and 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.”
‘HUG YOUR LOVED ONES’
The family have also thanked the school staff there that day and everyone who has sent support over the last year.
They added: “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.”
Following the incident, the girl was initially admitted to the ICU at Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Along with two other children and their carer, all four victims were taken to hospital from their school Colaiste Mhuire at Parnell Square in Dublin.
The young girl was taken out of ICU just before Christmas last year but was readmitted in January after a “bump in the road” disrupted her recovery.
