THE FAMILY OF Limerick woman Scarlett Faulkner have said they were preparing to say their last goodbyes to her, three weeks after she was assaulted and suffered critical head injuries.

Ms Faulkner, 20s, has been on life-support at Cork University Hospital after she was attacked on the side of the R494 road, outside the village of Birdhill, Co Tipperary, on 21 March.

Members of the mother-of-one’s family have been posting regular updates on social media of her condition in hospital and also asking people to pray for her recovery.

However, in an updated social media post, Josephine (Joanne) Duffy, a partner of Scarlett’s brother Thomas Faulkner, said: “Things are not looking good. On Friday they’re disconnecting Scarlett (from) her life/support machine.”

Ms Faulkner had been in an induced coma at CUH to help swelling in her brain reduce.

Ms Duffy also asked for help in organising a funeral, saying that “none of the family know, they’ve never buried anyone before”

“So this will obviously be their first burial,” she added.

Ms Duffy also thanked the public for their prayers and support for Scarlett over the past three weeks: “Thanks so much for all the prayers that didn’t go unnoticed, and pray now for peace for Scarlett, and justice, of course.”

Ms Faulkner’s family have said they are devastated by the latest news.

A post on Martin Anthony Faulkner’s Facebook account stated: “My heart is broken sister, never thought I’d see this day.”

A post on Joanne and Thomas Faulkner’s Facebook account stated: “I’m lost for words, my heart is broken, my beautiful baby sister.”

People replied online expressing their condolences and support to the Faulkner family.

One woman stated: “I’m so sorry to hear this. I live across from the hospital and have been praying every time I pass by these past few weeks.”

“This is heartbreaking to hear. God give you all comfort. 

“What a fight beautiful Scarlett put up, rest in peace beautiful angel,” said the woman.

A local man stated: “It’s a cruel world. I hope and pray ye will get justice for Scarlett, a young woman with her life ahead of her… you are in our prayers,” stated a man.

Another replied: “Sad world, my heart goes out to you all at this hard time.”

And another stated: “So unfair, I’m so so sorry poor Scarlett and her little girl left without her mommy. It’s awful cruel.”

A 16-year-old girl is before the courts charged with assault causing serious harm to Ms Faulkner on March 21st last.

A 40-year-old woman is charged with endangerment, violent disorder as well as burglary, arising out of the Garda investigation into the alleged assault on Ms Faulkner.

The girl and the woman cannot be identified by order of District Court judge Carol Anne Coolican.

The two accused females have been remanded in custody to appear before Tipperary District Court sitting in Nenagh, on 23 April.