Many of the children whose three classmates were injured in a multiple stabbing at Dublin’s Parnell Square last year are still receiving therapeutic supports, their school has confirmed.
Saturday marks the first anniversary of the violent attacks, which led to mass rioting in the capital later that day. A then-five-year-old girl who was critically injured in the incident suffered an acquired brain injury as a result and cannot move or communicate as she used to.
Two other children sustained less serious injuries, while a care assistant was seriously injured. In a statement, the school, which is located close to the scene of the attack, has said the incident continues to have a profound impact on its students and staff.
‘The critical incident… on November 23 last year – and the riots which followed it – were deeply traumatic experiences for our pupils, their parents, our staff and the wider school community,’ it stated. ‘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.’ The school said it is taking measures to minimise the trauma still being felt one year on. ‘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 retraumatise our pupils, staff and their families,’ it said.
The school added: ‘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.’
Meanwhile, the mother of the girl who was critically injured in the incident has expressed how much their family’s life has changed since the assault. ‘This Saturday marks one year since the incident. I guess calling it an incident is as good a word as any,’ she wrote on a GoFundMe page set up for her daughter. ‘Others come to mind, but we don’t wish to remember the tragedy. We choose rebirth, triumph, resilience.
‘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.’
The mother said she has 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,’ she wrote.
But she believes her daughter understands everything she says to her, despite her injuries. ‘She, like most six-year-olds, chooses what she wishes to acknowledge,’ she said. She added: ‘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 ten 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,’ she said.
During the chaos later that night in November, seven vehicles were set alight, including three buses, three Garda patrol cars and a Luas tram. The rioters also extensively damaged eight other Garda cars, attacked and damaged properties, and broke into and looted from several shops. Several gardaí were targeted and attacked by rioters, leaving one officer hospitalised with serious injuries.
A total of 57 people have since been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the riots, with 50 individuals charged to date.
