Social media users have voiced their anger at the tragic death of a young Irish woman who sadly fell through the cracks of life.
Many people are saying that the govt prioritise migrants, who are mostly accommodated for in one shape or another almost immediately as they arrive into the country, but Irish homeless people are left to fend for themselves.
Volunteers running regular soup kitchens in Cork have urged for improved services for vulnerable individuals like Vanessa O’Callaghan (36), who passed away in the hospital yesterday after being assaulted last weekend in the city center, reports Breaking News.
A soup kitchen, operated by the “Kindness Krew,” was located outside the former Savoy Cinema on Patrick Street in Cork around 8 pm last Sunday when Ms. O’Callaghan was attacked by as many as three assailants.
Volunteer Roslyn Barrett rushed to assist Ms. O’Callaghan. Trained in first aid, Roslyn performed CPR on her at the scene until emergency services arrived, reports Breaking News.
She characterized the late Ms. O’Callaghan as “quiet and mannerly.”
In an interview with Cork’s 96FM Opinion Line, Ms. Barrett expressed her desire for Vanessa not to become just another “statistic.”
“It’s alarming to see what is happening, and it’s deeply saddening for me to be speaking on the radio, offering condolences to Vanessa’s family. I hope they find peace, reports Breaking News.
“I knew Vanessa very well from our soup run. She was a wonderful person who never bothered anyone. This senseless attack shouldn’t take place against vulnerable individuals in the city.
“There are seven of us on the soup run who put our lives on the line every Wednesday and Sunday to go downtown to provide food to these vulnerable individuals. Ninety-nine percent of the people are grateful for what we give them and come back for a second hot meal.
“That should not occur in this day and age. Our city council and Government must recognize what is happening in our country. None of our homeless population ever receives support from our city council,” reports Breaking News.
One user of the soup service shared with the Opinion Line producer, Paul Byrne, that Vanessa was a generous person who once gave him a hundred euros that she found on the street. Another user noted that Vanessa wouldn’t have “hurt a fly.”
The Kindness Krew, made up of volunteers who offer hot meals and beverages to the homeless, shared on Facebook that Vanessa “didn’t deserve” what happened to her. They expressed their hope that the Cork native would “rest in paradise,” reports Breaking News.
Street Angels, another community group that helps vulnerable individuals in the city, posted about learning of Vanessa’s passing “with a very heavy heart.”
“Rest in peace, my angel. May you find the finest bed in heaven. Heartbroken, my friend. Please, everyone, say a prayer for her loving soul,” reports Breaking News.
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