Family thanks medical staff who cared for Cork homeless woman who died after assault as funeral details are announced

The family of a homeless woman who died following an assault near a soup kitchen on Patrick St have thanked staff at Cork University Hospital and all those who attended her at the scene of the incident.

The family of Vanessa O’Callaghan also provided details about funeral arrangements.

The 36-year-old woman, whose address was given as Coach St in Cork City’s Middle Parish, was attending a soup kitchen near the former Savoy Cinema shortly before being assaulted by up to three people at around 8pm on Sunday, December 1.

Ms O’Callaghan was assisted at the scene of the attack by a member of the Kindness Krew, volunteer Rosalyn Barrett, who administered CPR prior to the arrival of the emergency services.

In the funeral notice posted on Rip.ie, Ms O’Callaghan’s family said she was the mother of Chelsea, Jerry, and Kyle, and the daughter of Ellen and the late John O’Callaghan.

She is survived also by her siblings, Linda, Marcella, Aisling, Claudia, Ian, and Damian.

She was predeceased by her brothers Keith, Shane, and Jonathan.

Ms O’Callaghan’s remains will be reposing at Coughlan’s Funeral Home on Shandon St from 10am on Monday, and her family will be in attendance from 4pm with prayers at 5pm.

Her Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10am in St Peter and Paul’s Church on Paul St, and she will be buried afterwards in St Catherine’s Cemetery in Kilcully.

The incident which preceded her death has led to calls for more gardaí on the streets of Cork, as well as an appeal for derelict buildings in the city centre to be opened up to provide a safe space for vulnerable people.

A Garda investigation is ongoing into the circumstances leading to Ms O’Callaghan’s injuries and subsequent death.

A vigil was held for Ms O'Callaghan in Cork city on Saturday night.