Scarlett Faulkner still in critical condition at CUH after roadside attack

'Doctors have told the family they have never seen a brain injury so bad,' says relative

Scarlett Faulkner 'was never in any feud', says friend of the family.

Scarlett Faulkner remained in a critical condition in Cork University Hospital on Tuesday evening as gardaí followed definite lines of inquiry into her brutal assault.

A relative said she had suffered a very serious brain injury, giving an update on the 29-year-old Limerick mother's condition via social media on Tuesday evening.

“Doctors have told the family they have never seen a brain injury so bad,” Joanne Faulkner wrote on social media.

“They will try reduce the sedation the next few days and please God she will have movement and some brain activity.

“So thank you all so much and please continue to pray.

“It’s more than needed at this time.” 

The family denied that Ms Faulkner was ever involved in any feud, following an appeal by Love/Hate actor John Connors for the Traveller community "to stop feuding".

“Scarlett Faulkner was never in any feud. She’s an innocent young girl with a little baby at home waiting for her. And she’s now fighting for her life, and it’s not looking good for her,” said Josephine Duffy, a friend of the family.

Ms Faulkner, a 29-year-old Limerick woman, suffered critical head injuries in an attack at a roadside location outside Birdhill village at around 5.30pm on Saturday.

Ms Faulkner is the mother of a six-year-old daughter.

Pavee Point said it sends “our deepest support” to Scarlett and her family “following the abhorrent assault she suffered in Co Tipperary on Saturday evening”.

A statement from the organisation added: “We hope that she makes a full recovery from this unspeakable attack.” The organisation urged anyone with information about those involved in the incident to contact gardaí.

It added: “Such appalling acts of violence towards women, including Traveller and Roma women, should not be tolerated and those responsible held accountable for their actions. Our thoughts are with Scarlett and her family.” Video footage of the attack was widely shared on social media. Gardaí have appealed to people not to share the footage.

Following the incident, gardaí appealed for information on the movements of a grey 162 Ford Transit van and a blue 161 Volkswagen Touran people carrier, which were seen travelling in convoy or driving dangerously between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on Saturday in and around Birdhill.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station on (067) 50450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.