A DAD has told how the wounded creche worker who saved children’s lives after a man attacked them with a knife in Dublin yesterday is an “absolute hero” for stepping in front of the blade.
Garrett FitzGerald said his son, six, was one of those kids heading to an after-school creche on Parnell Square East when the maniac started stabbing, injuring three children and their teacher.
The scene on Parnell Square after the stabbing of three children and a womanGARY ASHE
Collins PhotosFlowers were left where the attack took place[/caption]
A girl aged five is critical in hospital after the incident, while the woman, in her 30s, was seriously injured.
Two other children, a boy aged five and a girl aged six, were less seriously wounded.
The suspect, a man in his 50s, is also in a serious condition in hospital.
The horror attack triggered a wave of brutal riots across Dublin yesterday evening.
Posting on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, Garrett said the woman wrestled the attacker and allowed kids to escape.
He added: “My six-year-old son was part of a group of junior and senior infants who were attacked yesterday as they walked to their after-school on Parnell Square.
“My son’s care worker stepped in front of a knife for him and the other kids.
“She wrestled the guy long enough to allow the other kids to run away and for help to arrive. Words fail me.
“She’s an absolute hero. A friend has started a GoFundMe for herself and the school.
“If anyone wanted to throw a few lids here it would much appreciated.
“She was one of many heroes yesterday including passers-by who intervened, first responders and the children themselves.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those still in hospital and anyone who has been affected by this awful tragedy.”
The GoFundMe has raised over €40,000 (£34,750).
Started by Paul McIntyre, it states that it is looking to raise funds to “support the children and the carer in Gaelscoil Colaiste Mhuire who were victims of a horrific attack at their school… by a stranger with a knife as the children were leaving school to be collected by their parents”.
It adds: “This is a small Irish-language school in the heart of Dublin City Centre and is almost like a small family and this attack has shocked parents, students and the whole school staff to their core and your help and support would be greatly appreciated at this time.
“This should be the most special time of year for all children and at the school they are currently practicing for their Christmas school play.
“Your help and donations will assist the school in making this year as special as possible for the children and staff that have been impacted by this terrible event.
“I would also like to raise funds to support the carer who bravely put herself in front of so many children so they could run to safety while putting her own life at risk.”
‘NOTHING SHORT OF A SUPERHERO’
Paul added: “Having known this lady for many years and having two children attend this school, I can say this lady is nothing short of a superhero tonight and we will be forever grateful for her and wish her a speedy recovery from her injuries.
“Unfortunately due to her significant injuries she will now be out of work for the foreseeable future and we would love to be able to support her in her time of need like she did for the children so bravely.”
A later update read: “We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support and kindness we have received thus far, so thank you all so much for your donations.
“We have increased the goal so that we can continue to raise as much as possible for those affected by this horrific incident.
“Rest assured we will keep the fundraiser updated and will share exactly where the funds are going.
“Please continue to support in any way you can, and thank you all again you are helping more than you can ever imagine… Thank you so much.”
If you would like to read and donate to the GoFundMe, you can do so here.
SCHOOL SHOCKED
Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire has said that it is “deeply shocked and saddened” following yesterday’s attack.
School chiefs said: “Our thoughts are with our pupils and our creche worker colleague who were injured and their families.
“The wider school community who are affected by this incident are also in our thoughts.
“Offers of support have been pouring in and are greatly appreciated. Our school has implemented our Critical Incident Management Plan.
“Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service have been with us, supporting and advising the staff in our efforts to assist our school community.”
Cops are today continuing to investigate the major incident, which happened at around 1.30pm on Thursday.
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