Family of sisters injured in M9 crash thank public for ‘kindness’

The scene on the M9 northbound at junction three in Co Kildare where five people died and others have been seriously injured after a head-on collision between two cars

placeholder image — The scene on the M9 northbound at junction three in Co Kildare where five people died and others have been seriously injured after a head-on collision between two cars

Ella Hendricken, Niamh Kinsella and Alma Kinsella, and a young boy were seriously injured when a car crashed into their vehicle

The family of those injured in a head-on collision on the M9 motorway have thanked members of the public for their “kindness and generosity” as an online fundraiser reached almost €770,000.

A GoFundMe was set up by a friend of one of the injured women who have links with the Laois Carlow community of Graiguecullen. Sisters Ella Hendricken, Niamh Kinsella and Alma Kinsella, aged in their 20s and 30s, as well a young boy, were seriously injured when a car crashed into their vehicle head-on in Co Kildare.

In a statement posted on the fundraising page, a family member said their focus is “completely on the girls and being together as a family”.

“Hi everyone, we wanted to take a moment as a family to say a heartfelt thank you to every single person who has supported Ella, Niamh and Alma,” the statement.

“The kindness and generosity shown to our family has been truly overwhelming. From everyone who has donated, shared the fundraiser, sent messages, kept us in their thoughts or supported us in any way, please know how much it means to all of us.

“Right now, our focus is completely on the girls and being together as a family.

“We aren’t ready to share any further details at this stage and we really appreciate everyone continuing to respect our privacy.

“What we did want to do was personally acknowledge the incredible support we’ve received.

“Seeing so many people come together for the girls has meant more to us than we could ever properly put into words.

“Thank you for continuing to keep Ella, Niamh and Alma in your thoughts, and for all the love and support you’ve shown our family.

“With love and gratitude, Clare and family,” concluded the post.

The GoFundMe page was set up by Brian Curley, a close friend of Ella, in the days after the crash. He received a round of applause at a vigil in St Clare’s Church, Graiguecullen, on Friday, August 28.

Five teenagers in the other car, which was travelling the wrong way down the M9 motorway, died.

The funerals of the five teenagers – Joe Carthy, Jack Kennedy, Alex McCarthy, Jeremy O’Brien and Kamil Pustkowski – have all taken place in recent days.