LAST UPDATE | 26 Feb 2024

A VIGIL HAS taken place in Dublin to pay tribute to a homeless woman who died in the city centre on Sunday. 

The woman has been named locally as Ann Delaney, who was 47-years-old and originally from Co Laois.

She is said to have been sleeping rough in Dublin for the last several years. Most recently, she had been sleeping rough on Aungier Street.

She was well-known to locals in the area, who left tributes throughout the day to mark her passing. 

At the vigil this evening, a crowd of people gathered to lay flowers and release pink and red balloons in memory of Ann.

A tribute to Ann who had been sleeping rough on Aungier Street David McRedmond / The Journal David McRedmond / The Journal / The Journal

The Dublin Region Homeless Executive extended its “sincere sympathies to the close family, neighbours who watched out for her, and the many friends of a woman known to all who stopped with her on Aungier Street”.

The DRHE also paid thanks to the homeless teams “who spent time with her and respected her wishes to the last”.

Elsewhere, the Dublin Simon Community said its thoughts are with the family and friends of Ann.

Dublin Simon Community added: “It is a tragedy when anyone dies on the street, and it underlines the vulnerability of people who find themselves without a roof over their head at this time of the year.

“This event highlights the urgency of needing better options to reduce homelessness and take pressure out of the system.”

Historian and author Donal Fallon described Ann as a “kind soul”, while Chris O’Reilly, who runs the Liberty Soup Run, said he was “heart-broken” over her passing.

A garda spokesperson said they were notified by staff at St. James Hospital of Ann’s sudden death on Sunday.

The spokesperson added that gardaí are conducting enquiries for the purpose of preparing a file for the Coroner.