‘We love and will always miss you’ - Sister of late Ann Delaney delivers emotional eulogy

The sister of the late Ann Delaney has delivered an emotional eulogy at her funeral, stating she and her family will “always miss” her. 

Loved ones gathered at  St. Abban’s Church, Doonane this afternoon (February 29) to pay respects to Ms Delaney after she was found unresponsive outside a Tesco Express in Dublin last week. 

A nurse who was well known for her kindness, Ms Delaney (formerly of Dromagh, Co Laois) had reportedly been sleeping rough in the capital city for the past seven years. 

Speaking to the gathered congregation earlier today, her sister Roisín said, “Ann was a mother, daughter, sister, auntie and friend, and she was well respected. She loved to travel and visited many countries all over the world, and everywhere she went she made friends. 

“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, who became emotional during the eulogy, said a lot of Ann’s qualities can be seen in her daughter, Saoirse. 

“[Saoirse] 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.” 

Father Jimmy O'Reilly, who officiated the mass, said Ann was "never one for material things". 

He said, "She had great kindness in her heart. 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. 

"We've heard so many comments quoted on RTÉ and through different media during the week and the condolences on RIP.ie notices, and how the qualities of generosity, outreach and sensitivity can play in relation to the most vulnerable. 

"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." 

On Monday (February 26), hundreds of mourners turned up to a vigil in Dublin to honour Ms Delaney, with many in attendance sharing their encounters with the popular character. The crowd also reportedly sang Aslan’s ‘Crazy World’ and released balloons in tribute. 

Hundreds of people paid tribute to the beloved lady on RIP.ie, with one person stating: "My sincere sympathy to Ann's daughter Saoirse, her mam Mary and all her siblings on the sad and tragic passing of Ann. A truly wonderful, kind human being who deserved more.

"Saoirse, be exceptionally proud of your mam. She loved you so much and wanted so much to be able to have a life with you. No one knows what tomorrow will bring and when the supports aren't there, it's very easy to hit rock bottom. Your mam will be watching over you now and will help you to get through this dreadful time. May Ann rest in peace and may her memory be a blessing." 

Another person wrote: "Your beautiful smile radiates with the people of Ireland, we also know the emotional burden of nursing can break a fledgling heart too. All that caring where no one knows your heartbreak, where did it go? Ann, we pray your family's heartbreaking time will heal and bring with it memories of earlier and happier times. I didn't know you but now I do, sadly. RIP beautiful Ann." 

A further condolence reads: "We got to know Ann over a long period. She wrote occasional poetry and regularly took photographs, which she got developed locally. She was like a magnet to passersby and had a word for everybody. She always wanted to give, to share what little she had with others. 

"Heaven will be enriched by her presence. We wish to extend to her daughter, her mother, and her extended family, our sincerest condolences. Ar dheus Déi go raibh a h-anam." 

Ann is survived by her mother Mary, daughter Saoirse, brothers Thomas, John, Ciaran and Paul, sisters Siobhán, Tricia, Roisin and Emer, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, relatives and a wide circle of friends. Ms Delaney was predeceased by her father Tom.