The tragic death of Vanessa O’Callaghan, who was assaulted while attending a soup kitchen in Cork City, has sparked calls for increased protections for the city’s most vulnerable populations. O’Callaghan, 36, succumbed to her injuries after being attacked on St Patrick’s Street last Sunday, and her family is now advocating for safer environments for the homeless.
In an emotional plea, Vanessa’s sister, Lynda O’Callaghan, expressed that the best way to honor Vanessa’s memory would be to open vacant buildings across Cork City as safe spaces for the homeless. These spaces, Lynda suggests, could provide basic amenities such as a place to rest, wash, and charge their phones. Her call for action also includes more patrols by Gardaí, particularly at soup kitchens, to ensure that these vulnerable people are not subjected to violence while seeking basic sustenance.
Vanessa’s assault on December 1st came just five years after a similar incident in 2019, when James Duncan was fatally assaulted at the same location. O’Callaghan’s family and friends have paid tribute to her, describing her as a “sunbeam”—a cheerful, loving individual who did not deserve to die in such tragic circumstances. While the details of Vanessa’s homelessness remain unclear, her family emphasized that homelessness is often the result of complex personal struggles, not a lack of worth.
Lynda O’Callaghan explained, “Our vulnerable people were children, they are somebody’s sister, somebody’s mother, somebody’s friend.” She urged authorities to prioritize their well-being, citing the vacant buildings that could easily be transformed into sanctuaries for the homeless, particularly during the evenings when many are left to fend for themselves on the streets.
In the wake of Vanessa’s death, the community has rallied in support, with vigils planned to honor her life. However, Gardaí have stated that while they are committed to supporting homeless individuals through welfare checks and collaborations with local agencies, a permanent Garda presence at soup kitchens is not currently feasible.
The tragic incident has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive support systems and safe spaces for vulnerable individuals in Cork, as well as for law enforcement to play a larger role in ensuring their safety. With the support of local communities, there is hope that Vanessa’s death will not be in vain and that lasting change will be made to protect those who are most at risk.
