Without any prior consent sought by the helicopter crew, Kilcullen decided to take matters into his own hands. He maneuvered his Zetor tractor out into the field, strategically parking it next to the helicopter and raising the front loader close to the rotor blades, effectively grounding the aircraft.

Kilcullen’s actions stemmed from a principle often quoted in his household: “What’s having is worth asking for.” He left a note with his contact details inside the tractor, indicating that those needing the tractor moved could reach him on his mobile.

Source: Johnny Kilcullen

The note that Kilcullen left in his tractor with his phone number Source: Johnny Kilcullen

As the event of the ship sinking drew spectators, the helicopter’s crew, intent on capturing the event from the air, found themselves pleading with local authorities to have the tractor moved. Displaying a mix of firmness and fairness, Kilcullen offered a solution—if the crew were really stuck, they could release the handbrake and push the tractor aside themselves. Taking up his suggestion, the crew managed to shift the tractor and took to the skies shortly after 3:30 p.m.

Reflecting on the confrontation, Kilcullen has received an outpouring of support from both locals and the wider community, affirming his stance on the necessity of basic manners and respect for private property. Despite the tension, Kilcullen remains unapologetic and clear: future aerial visitors should get permission first.

The episode highlighted ongoing challenges for coastal farmers like Kilcullen, whose land and livestock are often inadvertently affected by the actions of tourists and other visitors—earlier in the week, some of Kilcullen’s lambs were harmed by a visitor’s dog. Yet, through these trials, the community’s spirit and Kilcullen’s resolve only seem to strengthen.

The five-year-old victim, whose resilience and recovery have captured the hearts of many, was among those injured outside Coláiste Mhuire. The incident not only resulted in physical injuries but also emotional turmoil for the families involved. Described by her family as beginning “a new chapter in her life,” the young girl faces a long road of rehabilitation, affectionately referred to by her loved ones as ‘The Gym’.

Her parents recount the harrowing day with vivid clarity. “At 1.45pm, I received the most dreadful phone call: ‘Something happened! Your daughter was stabbed in front of the school’,” they shared. What followed was a frantic rush to the scene, where they found their daughter receiving emergency medical attention—a sight that has remained with them ever since.

The medical team at Temple Street Children’s Hospital has been instrumental in her survival and recovery, performing life-saving measures that were crucial during the first critical moments. The girl’s journey has been strenuous, involving a battle for basic motor functions and communication abilities, a testament to the severity of her injuries.

As the girl continues her recovery, questions linger about the long-term impacts of the incident. Her family remains hopeful yet realistic about the challenges ahead, noting the complexities of brain injury recovery. “The human brain is very complex. Deprive it of oxygen for too long, and the body suffers long-term consequences,” they explained.

Meanwhile, Riad Bouchaker, 50, faces serious charges related to the incident, including three counts of attempted murder and various assault charges, highlighting the ongoing legal ramifications of that fateful day.

As this young survivor’s story unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of both the fragility and resilience of life, capturing the collective support and empathy of a community standing strong against violence.