Mother of little girl stabbed at Parnell Square shares final update on daughter: 'I cry but not as often'
Garda at the scene of the knife attack on Parnell Square East(Image: Conor Ó Mearáin / Collins Photo Agency)The mother of a little girl who was stabbed at Parnell Square has shared a final update on how her daughter is doing.The child was one of three young students and a care worker who were attacked outside her Gaelscoil on Parnell Square on November 23, 2023. Nearly two years on, the now seven-year-old, who was severely injured in the attack, is making good progress.Her mother said that it has been two years of "hard work, dedication and relearning." Taking to GoFundMe, her mother said: "2 years of drive to live. 2 years of hard work and dedication. 2 years of relearning. And 2 years of us embracing this new girl we have been gifted with.""Even though we still don't know what will happen over the next two years, we are living in the moment and grateful for it." She went on to thank the public for all of their support over the past two years.She also thanked those who had contributed to the GoFundMe page to support their family, adding that the page would be taken down at the end of this month."The pain is there, but it is not raw. It has been shelled by love and strength," she said. "The joy I see in my little girl's eyes is enough to chip away any ache my heart carries. I do cry still, but not as often or as painfully as I did before. The cry is for missing the old her or imagining what we would be up to at 7 years of age."The mother said that Thursdays are still difficult for her, as the attack occurred on a Thursday. "I have since dreaded Thursdays; constantly checking my phone to make sure everyone and everything is alright," she said."We are beyond thankful to all of those who have placed us in their prayers and who have been so generous to complete strangers. We are also humbled by all those people who showed everyone involved in the attack that day that kindness and help can come in all shapes and sizes, and that you did not do it for any other reason besides helping. You are truly heroic."The little girl recently celebrated her seventh birthday, which was described as a lovely occasion at home, with loved ones all around and plenty of cake tasting. The fundraiser has so far raised over €140,000 for the family.Riad Bouchaker (50), of no fixed abode, is currently before the courts facing three charges of attempted murder, one count each of producing and possessing a kitchen knife, three charges of assault causing harm and one of assault causing serious harm.Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
