A woman who died after being assaulted as she left a soup kitchen in Cork city centre has been remembered as a “gem” of a person who had “a smile for everyone who crossed her path”.
Vanessa O’Callaghan (36), a mother of three, had just collected some food and a sleeping bag from a member of the Kindness Krew volunteer group when she was attacked in Patrick Street on December 1st. She died from her injuries at Cork University Hospital on three days later.
A requiem Mass for Ms O’Callaghan, a native of the Middle Parish in Cork, took place at St Peter and Paul’s Church in the city on Tuesday. Her daughter, Chelsea, told those who attended that their presence meant more to her than words could express.
“It is a comfort to see so many familiar faces, friends, family and loved ones all gathered here to honour and celebrate the incredible woman my mother was,” she said.
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“She was so full of life and she had a smile for everyone who crossed her path. Whether it was North Main Street, Patrick Street, the Grand Parade, wherever you would see her she was always have a smile.
“You couldn’t miss her, even if you wanted to. And believe me we tried.”
Chelsea said she was still in “complete shock” about what had happened. “I can’t believe she is gone. It’s going to take me a long time to get used to not seeing her around, especially by the church ... The pain I am feeling right now is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I find it hard to find the right words to describe it.”
She said that if she could speak to her mother one more time she would tell her she loved her unconditionally.
“Mam always had an answer for everything and she was so good with her words. That was her gift to the world – her humour, her wit and her heart. Cork has lost a gem but heaven has truly gained an angel.”
Fr Marius O’Reilly, who celebrated the Mass, said his most memorable meeting with Ms O’Callaghan Vanessa occurred on her birthday last year when he shared some cake with her. He described her as a “gift to the world” and said they “would always have great fun” when they spoke.
He said that while Ms O’Callaghan did not have an easy life, she always watched out for others.
Ms O’Callaghan is survived by her children Chelsea, Jerry and Kyle, her mother Ellen and siblings Linda, Marcella, Aisling, Claudia, Ian and Damian. She was predeceased by her father John and three of her brothers.
The Garda inquiry into the fatal assault is ongoing and no arrests have yet been made.
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