đš A Life of Service
Born Treasa Kennedy on June 19, 1939, in Lispole, Co Kerry, Sr Stanislaus Kennedyâaffectionately known as Sr Stanâentered the Sisters of Charity at 18. From her earliest years in religious life, she dedicated herself to social justice and community service, earning degrees in social sciences and social policy from University College Dublin. Her work in Kilkenny laid the foundation for decades of activism, particularly in addressing homelessness and poverty.
President Higgins hails her âimmense courage and visionâ as tributes pour in for one of Irelandâs most influential campaigners.
đ Founding Focus Ireland and Immigrant Council of Ireland
In 1985, Sr Stan founded Focus Point, later renamed Focus Ireland, after living alongside homeless women in Dublin to understand their struggles firsthand. The organization grew into one of Irelandâs leading charities, providing housing, advocacy, and support services to thousands. Her philosophy was simple yet profound: everyone deserves a home.
Focus Irelandâs impact has been transformative, influencing government policy and reshaping public attitudes toward homelessness. Today, it stands as a testament to her vision of compassion and systemic change.
Sr Stanislaus Kennedy was also the founder of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, established in 2001 to advocate for the rights and integration of migrants. The Council has since become a leading voice in shaping Irelandâs immigration policy, promoting equality, and supporting vulnerable migrants. Sr Stanâs vision ensured that Irelandâs growing immigrant population had access to justice, dignity, and a sense of belonging, further cementing her legacy as a champion for inclusion and human rights immigrantcouncil.ie TheJournal.ie.
â Advocacy and Influence
Beyond homelessness, Sr Stan championed immigrant rights, equality, and community development, becoming a powerful voice for marginalized groups. She authored several books on spirituality and social issues, blending faith with activism. Her ability to connect grassroots struggles with national policy made her one of Irelandâs most respected public figures.
đď¸ Tributes and Legacy
Sr Stan passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 86, at St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown RTĂ Ireland BreakingNews.ie. Her funeral was held at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, attended by dignitaries, activists, and community members.
President Michael D. Higgins led national tributes, describing her as a âwoman of immense courage and vision, whose life was dedicated to compassion and justice.â He noted that her work âgave voice to those who had none and reshaped Irelandâs conscience.â
The Religious Sisters of Charity remembered her as âa powerful voice for compassion, equality, and systemic change,â while Archbishop Michael Jackson praised her ability to âembrace those on the margins and embody the Gospel call to love thy neighbour.â BreakingNews.ie dublin.anglican.org
đ Enduring Impact
Sr Stan will be remembered not only for founding Focus Ireland but for her unwavering belief in dignity and equality. Her legacy lives on in the thousands of lives transformed by her work, the policies she influenced, and the inspiration she gave to future generations of activists.
In short: Sr Stanislaus Kennedyâs life was defined by courage, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of justice. As Ireland mourns her passing, her vision of a society where everyone has a home and a voice will continue to guide the nation.
Sources: RTĂ RTĂ Ireland, BreakingNews.ie BreakingNews.ie, Extra.ie Extra.ie, Offaly Independent Offaly Independent, Meath Chronicle Meath Chronicle, Dublin Anglican Diocese dublin.anglican.org, immigrantcouncil.ie TheJournal.ie
Sr Stanislaus Kennedy and President Michael D. Higgins Picture from The President of Ireland Media Team
