Young girl struck by car remains in 'critical' condition

A young girl who was knocked down by a car last week remained in a 'critical' condition in hospital last night. Mary O'Neill (11) was seriously injured when she and her brother, 14 year-old Fintan, were struck by a white Audi A3 last Tuesday evening at Staffordstown Road, just outside Toome. The young boy's condition was described as 'stable' on Monday night.

It is understood the children, who are pupils at St Patrick's College, Maghera, were exiting a school bus at 4.40pm when they were struck. The school subsequently postponed its open night and open day which were scheduled to take place on Wednesday and Saturday. Mrs Brenda Mussen, principal of St Patrick's College, Maghera, also took to Facebook to ask people to pray for the pupils. A post on the school's page read: "Thank you so much to everyone for your prayers and messages of support. Thank God one of our pupils is showing signs of improvement and his condition is described as stable. His sister remains critically ill. Please continue to pray for them both and their family." Friends and neighbours of the siblings also came together at Kickhams Creggan GAC to offer prayers for them during a rosary on Thursday night.