"She is still fighting" - Dublin knife attack victim, 5, remains in PICU

The family of the five-year-old girl who was seriously injured in the Dublin knife attack on November 23 has provided an update.

"Our little girl is a warrior,” the girl’s family said in a December 9 update on the  "Barróg do Chailín Beag" ("A Hug for a Little Girl") GoFundMe page that was launched after the attack.

“She is still fighting. She remains in the PICU with hopes of moving to the ward before the end of the year. 

“We can all feel the love and prayers every second of the day.

"Had it not been for all of our friends, family and everyone's support, we wouldn't have had the strength to stand, and for that we thank you all."

The update from the young victim's family came a week after an initial update, which said in part: “Our little girl has shown incredible strength and still here with us.

"We don't know yet what lies ahead as it is still early, but she is resilient and limitations will not stop her."

As of December 11, the "Barróg do Chailín Beag" GoFundMe page has raised more than €47k, far surpassing its original goal of €500. 

The fundraiser is one of nine associated with the horrific knife attack and the subsequent Dublin riot that have been verified by GoFundMe.

The "Buy Caio Benicio a pint" GoFundMe has raised more than €369k. Benicio, a delivery driver from Brazil who helped thwart the attack, collected his donations (and raised a pint) in Dublin last week. He has met with the family of the young victim and has pledged support from his donations to them.

Another GoFundMe, "Support Hero Carer & Children Attacked In Dublin," has raised more than €262k, which will benefit the children victims and Leanne Flynn, a carer from the school who was seriously injured trying to protect the children during the attack.

On November 23, An Garda Síochána said that a serious assault occurred on Parnell Square East in Dublin's City Centre shortly after 1:30 pm that afternoon.

The incident occurred near Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire.

Three children and a carer from the school, Flynn, were hospitalized after the attack; the six-year-old girl and the five-year-old boy have since been discharged.

Flynn is reportedly out of intensive care, while the five-year-old girl also remains hospitalized.

The Irish Times reported last week that the suspect remains hospitalized and that Gardaí have still not been cleared to arrest him, or even to speak to him in hospital, as he remains seriously ill.