The Funeral of Ann Delaney, a homeless former nurse who died after being found unresponsive in Dublin at the weekend, has heard that she brought positivity into people’s lives even though she was struggling herself.
The Funeral Mass of the 47-year-old, who had been sleeping rough in Dublin city centre, took place on Thursday at St Abban’s Church in Doonane, County Laois.
Mourners heard how Ms Delaney had become the “heart and queen” of her community in Dublin, where she had spent the last seven years on the streets.
Despite Ms Delaney’s own struggles, the Laois native was remembered as someone who remained “larger than life” and the “life and soul of the party” who had much to give.
Her sister Róisin told the congregation that her death as a homeless person, who had been living on Aungier Street in the city centre for the last number of months, left many unanswered questions.
“Ann was a mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend. She was a well respected nurse and the job suited her kind and caring nature. Ann was always such fun and the life and soul of the party.
“As a family we never understood why Ann chose to live like she did. Over the last number of years it has been incredibly frustrating and painful that Ann would not accept the help that so many people had offered her,” her sister said.
“Family, friends and professionals offered her as much support as they could, but sadly it was to no avail.
“The outpouring of grief for Ann showed how loved she was and how she brought positivity into people’s lives though she was struggling herself. Ann always knew she had a home in Dromone and a family that loved her very much.”
In the emotional tribute, her sister recounted how Ann “gave us many gifts as a family.”
The chief mourner at Ms Delaney’s funeral was her 17-year-old daughter Saoirse, who was described by Róisin as embodying her mother’s “kind nature.”
“She gave us a lot of laughs, she taught us how to be more loving and affectionate, but most of all she gave us Saoirse. We are incredibly proud of Saoirse and the kind, articulate, caring young woman she has become. She brings such joy to our family and we see Ann’s kind nature in her every day.”
Ann was also remembered as a “huge music lover” who was “always up for a sing song,” with her favourite song being Dolores Keane’s version of Caledonia.
Celebrant of the Mass and family friend Fr Jimmy O’Reilly remembered the mother of one’s great kindness, adding that she was a “born leader wherever she went.”
Fr O’Reilly told the packed Church about how Ann had been an excellent nurse, who loved her job and travelling – having worked in Australia, England, and in Guernsey.
Tributes have poured into the former nurse, originally from Carlow, following her death.
One man who knew Ann personally described the nurse as “heartbreaking,” writing ahead of her funeral: “Ann wss such a lady, always so thankful for everything [with] a great sense of humour, and such a funny person.”
“May she have eternal peace.”
Campaign group Support for Nurses, Midwives and Frontline Staff in Ireland, was among those who paid tributes to the nurse this week, writing in a widely shared post: “Dearest Ann. Thank you for your service to those in need in our county. We are so sorry that you and so many others were let down so badly by the Irish government.
“We hope you have a full belly and are warm, safe, and happy now in your forever home in heaven […] May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”