Mother of girl injured in Parnell Square stabbings says daughter may one day tell 'own story'

Sarah Slater

The mother of a little girl who was seriously injured in a multiple stabbing incident outside a primary school on Parnell Square two years ago has said that “one day” their daughter may tell her “own story”.

The stabbing occurred outside Coláiste Mhuire national school in Dublin 1 on November 23rd, 2023 in which several others were injured.

Aged five at the time of the attack, the girl was critically injured and spent the majority of last year in Temple Street Children’s Hospital before being released from medical care for a year.

The family have continued to share updates on a GoFundMe page, set up following the incident which has raised a final total of almost €146,000 has now been closed down.

Recently celebrating her seventh birthday the girl’s explained that the fundraising page was being shut down and legal proceedings in relation to the incident have now begun.

“The page may be closing, but her journey is only beginning. And perhaps one day she chooses to tell her own story. We will leave it to her,” her mother said.

She said that they now live in “marvel and hope” over how much their daughter’s health battle has positively progressed in the two years since the incident.

“Over a year ago, when our girl was still in (a) critical state, I wrote a poem called Land of Memory and Hope. Those words poured out during a sleepless and teary night. There was so much heartache,” explained her mother.

“Today, the title would be Land of Marvel and Hope. Those who are constantly around our angel warrior can testify to her tenacity and her happiness.”

The brave woman explained how she “marvels” at how far her daughter “has come, how much joy she spreads,” and that she “truly hope everyone can witness how infectious her laughter and strength are.”

The delighted mother added that while every child is unique, her little girl “at the age of 7 is one of a kind”.

“Me and my husband do everything we can to give her the best opportunities and chances for recovery however (it is us) who learn patience and kindness from her. What a gift,” she continued.

Both of the girl’s parents concluded: “We wish all of you the most enjoyable festivities and hope, from the bottom of our hearts, that the messages to take from her story is a beautiful one”.

Riad Bouchaker, 51, of no fixed abode, 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.

Last week, his defence team said that Bouchaker is suffering from a mental disorder and is unfit to stand trial, the Central Criminal Court heard.

A consultant forensic psychiatrist also said that the accused, who has a complex medical history, had suffered a brain injury "in the course of members of the public intervening" on the day of the alleged offence and had surgery on his brain some years before.

The defence expert witness said if Bouchaker is found unfit to stand trial, he would be reviewed on a six-month basis by the mental health criminal law review board.

The hearing was adjourned until January 19th next and the accused was remanded in custody until that date.