Firefighter recalls girl's pink shoes at attack scene

A firefighter who was among the first responders to the Parnell Square stabbings in November 2023 still vividly remembers the sight of a little girl's pink shoes amidst the chaos. Brian Mulvany testified at the trial of Riad Bouchaker, who faces charges including attempted murder of three children.

Mulvany recounted how his team was rerouted to Parnell Square after hearing reports of the incident. Upon arrival, he described the scene as chaotic, with a single ambulance present. He observed a small girl lying on the path, receiving CPR from a paramedic and a member of the public. The bright pink shoes of the child stood out in his memory.

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He said the little girl was on her back and her pink shoes stood out to him. He said he still remembered them to this day.

He directed one of his crew to assist with the child while he attended to other victims. Mulvany also described helping Leanne Flynn, a creche worker, who had sustained a large laceration on her back with an internal organ protruding. He assisted her before she was transported to the hospital.

The firefighter also noted seeing a man on the ground further down the road, initially mistaken for a victim. However, a cordon of women prevented him from approaching until they realized he was a firefighter. He later learned the man had responded to pain stimuli. Mulvany mentioned reassuring parents who were distressed about their children, confirming their safety but explaining they could not yet access the school due to the ongoing crime scene investigation.

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She said she could not breathe properly and he assisted her before she was put into an ambulance.