‘She would brighten up your day’: Woman dies following assault in Cork city

The woman who died following an assault on Patrick St over the weekend has been described as someone who would “brighten up your day” as soon as you saw her.

Gardaí arrived at the scene at the Savoy at approximately 8pm on Sunday evening and found a woman, aged in her mid-30s, who was lying on the ground, unresponsive.

She has been named locally as Vanessa O’Callaghan.

Ms O’Callaghan was taken to Cork University Hospital with life-threatening injuries, and this evening, in a statement, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed that she “died as a result of her injuries” this afternoon.

Speaking to The Echo , Cork Penny Dinners volunteer co-ordinator Caitríona Twomey reflected on her interactions with Ms O’Callaghan, saying she was a frequent user of the service, and someone who everyone in the charity loved.

“To say we’re heartbroken would be a cliche, it goes beyond that, we really are feeling it very deeply,” she said.

“She meant a lot to us, she was very special — as soon as you saw her, you knew she would brighten up your day.

“We will definitely miss her, and our hearts go out to her family. We’ll be praying for them.”

Investigating gardaí appealed to the public for information.

"Gardaí attached to the Serious Crime unit in Anglesea Street, Cork continue to investigate the fatal assault that occurred on St. Patrick's Street, Cork city on Sunday evening 1st December, 2024," gardaí said in a statement.

"The woman, aged in her 30s who was found unresponsive and conveyed to Cork University Hospital with serious injuries, has died from her injuries today Wednesday 4th December, 2024.

"A post mortem examination is due to take place tomorrow, Thursday 5th December, 2024 which is being conducted by the State Pathologist Dr. SallyAnne Collis at Cork University Hospital."

Investigating gardaí are continuing to appeal to the public for information.

"Anyone who was in the area of the Savoy, St. Patrick Street, Cork city between 7.15pm and 8.15pm on Sunday evening 1st December, 2024 and who may have information regarding this incident should make contact with the Gardaí," they said.

"Additionally, any road users with dash-cam footage, particularly taxi drivers who were in the area at the time of the incident are asked to contact investigating Gardaí."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Anglesea Garda Station on 021 4522000, the Garda Confidential Line on (1800) 666 111 or any Garda Station.