Ireland

Vigil held for homeless woman following death in Dublin

Ann Delaney was described as a ‘a well-liked local character’ whose death has left people ‘heartbroken’.

A vigil was held for Ann Delaney
Ann Delaney vigil A vigil was held for homeless woman Ann Delaney in Dublin city centre on Monday. (Joe Giddens/PA)
By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

A vigil has been held in Dublin city centre after a homeless woman was found dead.

Ann Delaney was found unresponsive on Aungier Street on Sunday.

Bouquets of flowers, candles, packets of crisps and bottles of water have been left near the scene in memory of the 47-year-old mother, who is understood to have previously worked as a nurse in a Dublin hospital and was from Crettyard, Co Laois.

At 8pm on Monday people gathered near the place where she was found to sing and release balloons.

The not-for-profit group Liberty Soup Run said that they were “heartbroken” and in disbelief at her death.

Heart broken 💔 still can't belive that you passes away Ann. Guys liberty soup run will be down were ann passed away at...

Posted by Liberty Soup Run on Sunday, 25 February 2024

A business near where Ms Delaney was found described her as “a very lovely neighbour” who was “a well-liked local character”.

Chris O’Reilly manages the Liberty Soup Run and told those attending the vigil: “Everyone knew Ann. She was just an amazing person, an amazing woman.

“She had rough times in life like us all and unfortunately Ann ended up on the streets.

“She never saw her way out (of her problems) God love her, she’s at peace now, she’s out of pain. This is for Ann’s family as well, we are all behind you.

“Ann was our family as well. We classed her as a sister. She loved Liverpool soccer club and that’s why there are so many people holding red balloons.

He added: “To see all of this support is just incredible. As a community and wider community, there are people here from all over. Ann was a gem, she was such a lovely lady.

“If you brought her items, she’d ask if it was second-hand but she wanted the new stuff, she still had her sense of humour. Ann could crack a joke and there were days she didn’t want to talk to you because of what she was going through but we all accepted that.”

Funeral details have yet to be announced, but Mr O’Reilly urged people to attend to show their respects.

A family notice said that Ms Delaney was the beloved daughter of Mary and the late Tom and would be sadly missed by her daughter Saoirse, mother, siblings and wider family and friends

Gardai said in a statement: “Having been notified by staff at St James Hospital, as per protocol, An Garda Siochana is conducting inquiries into a sudden death of a female which occurred on February 25 for the purpose of preparing a file for the coroner.”