‘Lovely, ultra-generous’ – Tributes to homeless Dublin lady after sudden death

Ann Delaney (47), a mother-of-one, who was originally from Crettyard, Co Laois, died suddenly in St James Hospital on Sunday.

Ann was a well-known and popular member of the city centre homeless community who slept most nights on Aungier Street.

A vigil is to be held on Aungier Street at 8pm tonight where those remembering Ann will conduct a balloon release in her honour.

It is understood Ms Delaney had been sleeping rough for over seven years and frequented the Aungier Street and Rathmines areas of Dublin.

As news of her death spread on social media, many laid flowers and candles at the spot where she used to sleep.

It’s understood Ms Delaney regularly declined offers of assistance and had chosen not to take refuge in night shelters as she felt unsafe.

A woman who worked with Ms Delaney in the past told the Irish Independent that she came from a loving family who had tried many times in the past to help her.

“She had very complex psychiatric difficulties and this spiralled into addiction. She really was a lovely woman.”

Members of Liberty Soup Run said they were “heartbroken and angry” after hearing of Ms Delaney’s death, adding that she will be “missed so much”.

In a statement, spokesperson Chris O’Reilly said the sad news had come as a surprise.

“She was alive early on Sunday but then she suddenly became unresponsive. We don’t know her cause of death, whether the dropping temperatures might have been a factor or not,” he said.

“Paramedics were called but unfortunately Ann passed away.

"We are heartbroken and lost for words; another homeless person died on our streets and it’s just so wrong.”

Mr O’Reilly said Ann was a “lovely lady” who was “well liked” but had fallen on tough times.

“She had a family and a life and she just fell on hard times,” he said.

“We want to send our love to all of her family. She will be missed but she is at peace now.

“We still can't believe that this lady has passed away.”

Social media was flooded with tributes to the former nurse remembered for her kindness and “her brilliant, mischievous sense of humour.”

Author and Historian Aaron Henderson wrote of his sadness at her passing on X.

“She was an intelligent, creative person. She once wrote my wife a lovely, Beatnik-style poem. She loved puzzles and craic.

“Indeed she would often try and give us food too. She was lovely, ultra-generous, and undeniably charismatic,” he said.

Shirley O’Rourke posted, “So many people had a lot of affection for Ann and cared about her welfare.

“Her legacy is that so many people will be incredibly sad to hear this news today.”

Many commentators on X, spoke of their positive encounters with Ms Delaney including those who work directly with the homeless community.

Her death notice describes her as a "beloved daughter" who will be "sadly missed by her loving daughter".