Late Ann Delaney remembered as being 'the heart and queen' of Dublin homeless community

The Late Ann Delaney has been remembered as being "the heart and queen" of the Dublin homeless community. 

Father Jimmy O'Reilly made the comment as he officiated the funeral of the beloved Laois woman, who was found unresponsive outside a Tesco Express in Dublin last week (February 25). 

Ms Delaney, who was formerly a nurse and was well respected among all who knew her, had reportedly been homeless for several years. 

Addressing the gathered congregation of friends and family at St Abban's Church this afternoon (February 29), Father O'Reilly said, "We give thanks to God for the unique, gifted person Ann was and is. We pray that she is enjoying the fullness of eternal life. 

"Her untimely death has shocked and deeply saddened our family, friends and so many people who knew her and appreciated and loved her. We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers to her loving family. 

"To her mother Mary, to her sisters, Siobhan, Trisha, Rosín and Eimear, to her brothers, Thomas, John, Kieran and Paul. To her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and relatives, we bring your experience of love’s sorrow and pain before the Lord today and pray for all." 

Father O'Reilly described Ann as "thoughtful" and "a very outgoing person who loved life and who was larger than life". 

He said, "She was always witty, funny and very independent. She loved music, and we're having effective music today as as symbol of that, and especially she loved to sing the song 'Caledonia'.

"She loved all kinds of different adventures, from skydiving to hunting crocodiles." 

He continued: "Ann was never one for material things. She had great care for others, she was outgoing and had a very rich inner life, her poetic side showed that. She was a very spiritual person, and her kindness and care reached out to other people. 

"In the last years of her life in Dublin, she became the heart and queen of the community there. She helped so many people by being there and just being herself. 

"It manifested in the outpouring of love, sorrow and sympathy expressed publicly in so many ways by so many people over the last few days. 

"We pray for her eternal rest. We pray for her family and all who mourn at this time." 

Ms Delaney's cousin Louise, nephew Connor, niece Lily, nephew Adam and nephew Seán read Prayers of the Faithful. 

Her sister, Roisín, delivered an emotional eulogy, during which she described her sister as "a mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend". 

She said, "She made an impact on everyone she met. It has been so lovely to meet her friends over the last few days to hear some great stories of her over the years. 

"She gave us a lot of laughs and taught us how to be more loving and affectionate, but most of all she gave us spirit." 

Roisín also told the gathered congregation that Ms Delaney's teenage daughter, Saoirse, is very like her mother. 

She said, "She brings such joy to our family and we see Ann’s kind nature in her every day." 

She continued: "As a family, we never understood why Ann chose to live the life she did. Over the last number of years, it has been incredibly frustrating and painful that Ann did not accept the help that so many people offered. Family and friends and professionals offered as much support as they could. 

"However, sadly it was to no avail. 

"The outpouring of grief for Ann shows how she brought positivity to other people's lives even though she was struggling herself. 

"Ann always knew she had a home and a family who loved her very much. Ann, we hope that you find peace. We love you so much and will always miss you." 

Hundreds of people shared their grief in an online condolence book on RIP.ie, with hundreds more gathering for a vigil in Dublin this week (Monday February 26) to pay tribute to Ms Delaney. 

One mourner wrote: "Deepest sympathies to all Ann's family, her mother, daughter, brothers and sisters. Ann was a smiling street character in Aungier Street, so many passers-by took time to engage with her, buy her food and snacks from Tesco, she touched many a heart, and now many a tear will be shed at her passing. Thoughts with you at this time." 

Another person wrote: "RIP Ann, I had plenty of great chats with you on Thomas Street, you were a lovely young woman, condolences to your daughter and family, now you’re at peace, fly high, Ann." 

Another wrote: "Ann you were an institution. There is going to be a massive hole in the middle of Aungier street for all of us who work, live and study there. Thanks for the Maltesers. Rest easy."