Candlelit vigil for children and creche worker stabbed in Dublin
Nathan Whelan with members of the public at the candlelight vigil to mark one week since the horrific attack last week. Picture: Conor Ó Mearáin/Collins
A candlelit vigil has taken place for the victims of the knife attack outside a primary school in Dublin last Thursday that precipitated riots.
Around a hundred parents of Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire as well as family and friends gathered outside the GPO on O’Connell Street on Thursday at around 7pm.
The event was organised by a local man, Nathan Whelan, to mark one week since the horrific attacks.
Three children, two girls aged 6 and 5 were injured in the stabbing as well as a five-year-old boy.
Two of the children have since been discharged but the five-year-old girl remains in a critical condition at Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Creche worker Leanne Flynn also suffered stab wounds and is currently in a serious but stable condition in the Mater hospital.
On Thursday, parents gathered with their children for around an hour on O’Connell Street where they said prayers for the five-year-old girl and Ms Flynn.
Nathan Whelan said: “We wanted to do something to show the parents and family of the five-year-old girl that they have our support.
“People are concerned and we needed to all be together this evening."
A parent from the school told the they are anxiously awaiting an update on the little girl and wish her family “the best”.
Another parent Aine Shields said she felt “nervous” being in the city following the riots last week, which took place after the stabbing.
“I came in anyway,” she said. “My heart breaks for those who were injured”.
After the vigil, the crowd then walked to Temple Street Hospital where they held a second candlelit vigil and said prayers for the five-year-old.
A number of nurses then came to the window of the hospital and waved at the families who left candles at the hospital doorstep.
There was a heavy presence of gardaí throughout the event.
