Fundraiser for three sisters seriously injured in M9 crash raises more than €274,000

More than €274,000 has been raised for sisters Ella Hendricken, Niamh Kinsella and Alma Kinsella after they were seriously injured in a devastating crash on the M9 in Co Kildare. A seven-year-old boy travelling with the family was also seriously injured. The official GoFundMe fundraiser has a target of €350,000.

A fundraising appeal for three sisters seriously injured in the M9 crash in Co Kildare has received an extraordinary response from the public.

More than €274,000 has been raised from over 10,000 donations for Ella Hendricken and sisters Niamh and Alma Kinsella.

The GoFundMe fundraiser for Ella, Niamh and Alma was established by Bryan Curley, who described Ella as his best friend.

The fundraiser has a target of €350,000, with all money raised intended to go directly to the family.

Three sisters seriously injured in M9 crash

The devastating collision happened on the M9 northbound at Junction 3 near Moone, Co Kildare, at approximately 3am on Sunday, August 16.

According to an official statement from An Garda Síochána, emergency services had received reports of a vehicle travelling southbound on the northbound carriageway before a head-on collision occurred with a second car.

Five teenage males who were travelling in one of the vehicles died in the collision.

Gardaí later confirmed that the occupants of the second vehicle were three women and a young boy, all of whom were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Family had been travelling to Dublin Airport

The three women were subsequently named locally as Alma and Niamh Kinsella, both aged in their 30s, and their younger sister Ella Hendricken, who is in her 20s.

A seven-year-old boy was also travelling in the vehicle.

Reports from TheJournal.ie and BreakingNews.ie said the family had been travelling towards Dublin Airport ahead of a family wedding in the UK.

Niamh and Alma were taken to Tallaght University Hospital in critical condition.

Their younger sister was initially taken to St Luke’s General Hospital before later being transferred for further treatment.

The seven-year-old boy was taken to Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin with serious injuries.

GoFundMe launched for Ella, Niamh and Alma

Following the collision, Bryan Curley established an official GoFundMe campaign to help support the family.

Bryan said the family was going through an incredibly difficult and frightening time and faced a long and challenging road ahead.

He confirmed that all money raised will go directly to the family.

The response has been significant, with more than 10,000 people contributing to the fundraiser.

Fundraiser at a glance

• Fundraiser: GoFundMe for Ella, Niamh and Alma
• Organiser: Bryan Curley
• Fundraising target: €350,000
• Raised: More than €274,000 at the time checked
• Donations: More than 10,000
• Purpose: To provide financial support directly to the family

The fundraising total is continuing to change as further donations are made.

Gardaí continue M9 crash investigation

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Forensic Collision Investigators examined the scene and Family Liaison Officers were appointed to support relatives of those involved.

Gardaí have appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.

They are particularly interested in speaking to motorists who were travelling on the M9 northbound or southbound between 2am and 3am on Sunday, August 16, and who may have dashcam footage.

Anyone with information can contact:

• Athy Garda Station: 01 666 6000
• Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111
• Any Garda station

More information is available through the official An Garda Síochána appeal.

How to donate to the M9 crash fundraiser

Anyone wishing to support Ella, Niamh, Alma and their family can donate directly through the official fundraising page.

Donate to the GoFundMe for Ella, Niamh and Alma

Readers are advised to use the official fundraiser link above when making a donation.

Useful links

• Official GoFundMe fundraiser for Ella, Niamh and Alma
• An Garda Síochána — initial M9 collision statement
• An Garda Síochána — updated M9 collision statement
• TheJournal.ie — family injured in M9 collision
• BreakingNews.ie — M9 crash report

Call to action: If you would like to help the family, you can visit the official GoFundMe page here and contribute directly to the appeal.