Mum of three sisters injured in M9 crash says focus is now "completely on the girls"

Niamh and Alma Kinsella, who are in their 30s, and their younger sister Ella Hendricken, who is in her 20s, have been left with life-changing injuries after the car they were driving in was crashed into at high speed by a gang of teens who were driving down the wrong side of the M9 motorway in the early hours of August 16.

The sisters and Alma’s seven-year-old son were driving to Dublin Airport to attend a family wedding from their home in Carlow when the crash happened.

Five teenage boys – Joe Carthy, Jack Kennedy, Alex McCarthy, Jeremy O’Brien and Kamil Pustkowski – who were in the speeding BMW were killed instantly in the smash.

Ella’s pal, Bryan Curley, set up a GoFundMe that has raised €781,965 so far.

In a statement, their mother, Clare, has broken her silence on the horrific accident, saying: "Our focus is completely on the girls and being together as a family."

She wrote: "We wanted to take a moment as a family to say a heartfelt thank you to every single person who has supported Ella, Niamh and Alma.

"The kindness and generosity shown to our family has been truly overwhelming. From everyone who has donated, shared the fundraiser, sent messages, kept us in their thoughts or supported us in any way, please know how much it means to all of us.

"Right now, our focus is completely on the girls and being together as a family. We aren’t ready to share any further details at this stage, and we really appreciate everyone continuing to respect our privacy."

Clare said she wanted to "personally acknowledge the incredible support" they have received since the crash.

"What we did want to do was personally acknowledge the incredible support we’ve received. Seeing so many people come together for the girls has meant more to us than we could ever properly put into words.

"Thank you for continuing to keep Ella, Niamh and Alma in your thoughts and for all the love and support you’ve shown our family."

She signed off: "With love and gratitude, Clare and family."

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.