A homeless woman who was attacked by up to three people at a soup kitchen in Cork has died.
36-year-old Vanessa O’Callaghan passed away in hospital today after being attacked as she was availing of services in the soup kitchen on Patrick’s Street in Cork City, outside the Savoy cinema at approximately 8pm on Sunday.
A member of Kindness Krew volunteers, Rosalyn Barrett, administered CPR to Ms. O’Callaghan at the scene of the incident saying that the victim was turning blue.
Barrett told the Neil Prendeville Show on Cork’s RedFM, “I started CPR on her. I don’t know where I found the strength to do it. I did it until the paramedics arrived. The ambulance operator could hear the commotion going on so they were there within five or 10 minutes,”
“The other girls in the Krew kept the path blocked off and the gardai were at the scene within seconds as well when the call went in. It was a frightening experience.”
Ms Barrett described Ms O’Callaghan as “a quiet and mannerly girl”, who regularly used their service.
“We gave her a sleeping bag on Sunday night. Obviously she didn’t have a sleeping bag. God help her she didn’t even get to use it.”she said.
Gardaí say they “continue to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the death of an eight year old girl following a fatal assault at a residence in New Ross, Co. Wexford on Sunday 1st December, 2024.
The post mortem examination which was conducted by State Pathologist, Dr. Sally Anne Collis took place yesterday Monday 2nd December, 2024 the results of which will not be released for operational reasons.
A male, aged in his 30s has been released from hospital and arrested on suspicion of Murder. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region.
Investigating Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have any information on this fatal assault to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact New Ross Garda Station on 051 426 030, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111 or any Garda Station.”
The investigation is ongoing.