Parents of girl stabbed in Parnell Square say 'Christmas will be special' with her home

Sarah Slater

The parents of a young girl who was seriously injured in a stabbing on Parnell Square in Dublin last year have said their “little girl” is now on her third week at home and that “Christmas will be special this year”.

The girl, aged five at the time of the November 23rd attack, was critically injured and spent most of a year at Temple Street Children’s Hospital before being released.

The family have been sharing updates on a GoFundMe page, set up following the incident and which has raised over €121,000.

In their most recent update, her parents revealed that their daughter is “already used to sleeping in her bed every day,” and that they now understand “how much having a routine helps with her development.”

They continued: “ She is becoming accustomed to being in her stander, playing with her toys, and announcing when something is not okay.”

Her parents highlighted how “important” it is for her to feel that they “understand her sounds and looks” and that they have managed to put together some activities which are manageable given her home environment.

“Christmas will be special this year,” they added.

Her parents last month explained they “strongly believe” that, despite medical assessments and reports, she “understands everything we say to her”.

They continued: “She, like most six-year-olds, 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.

“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”.

The multiple stabbings outside Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square left two other young children and a carer injured.

Riad Bouchaker (50) is currently before the courts charged with three counts of attempted murder, one of producing and possessing a kitchen knife, three counts of assault causing harm and one of assault causing serious harm.