Family of little girl injured in Parnell Square knife attack share 'birthday' update
The child spent over 275 days in hospital following a stabbing incident outside a school on Parnell Square in November last year
The family of the young girl injured in a stabbing incident in Parnell Square last year have shared a 'bittersweet' birthday update on her condition.
The five-year-old girl spent 281 days in Temple Street Children's Hospital following the horrifying stabbing incident outside a school on Parnell Square, which took place in broad daylight on November 23, 2023.
In an update on the GoFundMe page set up for her care, the young girl's family revealed she was discharged earlier this month, and is beginning her rehabilitation journey.
The child'd mother posted an update on October 7, the day of the child's sixth birthday.
"Our sweet girl turns 6. She had just turned 5 when all this started. She had been in Junior infants for a couple of months. She had met her cousins in my hometown for the first time.
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"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," the update read.
The child's mother shared the small "moment of fun" they had as she painted her daughter's face for her birthday.
"After much deliberation, her eyes lingered on the butterfly one. She is still non-verbal," she shared.
"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."
Over €113,000 has been raised so far for the little girl and her family through the GoFundMe page, which was set up in the days after the Parnell Street attack.
The five-year-old was one of three children who, along with their carer, were injured in the multiple stabbing at Coláiste Mhuire, Parnell Square in November 2023.
A man in his 50s, Riad Bouchaker, has been charged in relation to the attack.
The two other children, aged five and six, and Leanne Flynn, their carer, have all since been released from hospital.