Two arrested in connection with death of Cork woman Vanessa O'Callaghan

Olivia Kelleher

A file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions after a man and woman were held for questioning in connection with the death of a woman who was attacked at a soup kitchen in Cork city centre last year.

Vanessa O’Callaghan (36) had just been given some food and a sleeping bag by a member of a volunteer group when she was set upon in Patrick Street on December 1st, 2024. She was assaulted by up to three people.

One of the volunteers rushed to her assistance and commenced CPR prior to the arrival of paramedics. However, Ms O’Callaghan died at Cork University Hospital three days later.

On Wednesday a man and a woman in their 30s were arrested in connection with the death of Ms O’Callaghan. They were held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in Cork. They having since been released without charge.

Investigations are ongoing, gardaí said.