Sisters injured in M9 crash 'grateful' for public support

Three sisters who were seriously injured in a head-on collision on the M9 motorway in Co Kildare over two months ago have thanked the public for their "incredible generosity" during "one of the most difficult chapters" of their lives.

Sisters Ella Hendricken, Niamh Kinsella and Alma Kinsella, aged in their 20s and 30s, and a young boy were seriously injured when a car that was travelling the wrong way down the motorway crashed into their vehicle.

The family from Co Carlow had been on the way to Dublin Airport for a holiday when the incident took place in the early hours of 16 August.

The five teenagers who were travelling in the car that was driven down the wrong side of motorway died.

The funerals of Joe Carthy, Jack Kennedy, Alex McCarthy, Jeremy O'Brien, and Kamil Pustkowski took place in the days after the crash.

In an online post, the sisters said they wanted to offer a "heartfelt thank you" to the public for their support.

The post reads: "As we look back on everything that has happened over the past few months, it's difficult to find the words to express just how grateful we are.

"Throughout this journey, we have been reminded of the incredible kindness and compassion that exists in the world. The love and support we have received from so many people has meant more to us than words could ever express.

"To everyone who has donated, sent messages, offered well wishes, kept us in your thoughts and prayers, or reached out to show their support, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The generosity shown by people in our own community, across Ireland and further afield has been truly overwhelming.

"A very special thank you to our family, friends and everyone who has stood by our side throughout this journey. Your kindness, love and encouragement have meant so much to us, and we will never forget

"The incredible generosity you have shown has provided our family with practical support, comfort and reassurance for the future. Knowing that so many people care about us has meant more than words can express.

"From all of us, thank you for your generosity, your prayers, your well wishes and for helping us through one of the most difficult chapters of our lives.

"We will never forget your kindness and support, and we will be forever grateful," the post concludes.

An online fundraiser to support the family in their recovery has raised over €330,000 to date.

The head-on collision on the M9 motorway sparked wider questions about how certain groups of young people are regularly engaging in dangerous driving and posting it online, how such behaviour can be policed, and what social media companies can do to tackle such content that is posted online.