A young girl left in a "serious condition" after being hit by a car last week had just started secondary school.
The incident happened when the girl, aged 11, was knocked down on the N24 at Pallasgreen, Co Limerick, last Thursday.
She was airlifted to Cork University Hospital, but has since been transferred to Temple Street Children's Hospital.
It has since emerged that the youngster had just begun secondary school at Doon’s Scoil na Trionoide Naofa.
Principal Eilis Casey told the Limerick Leader: “We were all very shocked on Thursday when we heard about the terrible accident in Pallasgreen.
"Just that morning we had welcomed her along with the rest of the first years for their first day in secondary school.
"Like so many students beginning that morning, she was excited, perhaps a little anxious but ready to begin a new phase of her learning.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family at this time. We also think of and have put support structures in place for her friends who came with her from her primary school and will continue to provide pastoral care for them.
"Our hope is that she will be back to us as soon as possible."
At the time of the accident, a garda spokesman said: "Gardaí and Emergency Services attended a the scene of a collision involving a car and pedestrian on the N24 at Pallasgreen, Co Limerick at approximately 5.30pm on Thursday 3rd September, 2020.
"An 11-year-old girl was seriously injured when she was struck by a car. She was airlifted from the scene to Cork University Hospital where her condition is understood to be serious.
"An examination of the crash site has been carried out and the road has since reopened to traffic. The occupants of the car were uninjured.
"Investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and to those with video footage (including dash cam) from along the route at the time of the collision to contact them.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Bruff Garda Station 061-382940 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111."
