Dolores’s world falls apart as fire regulations end five years of happiness

DOLORES BALFE has had five years of happiness in 22 years of bewilderment, but it’s all coming apart on her.

The 45-year-old Dublin woman has spent 22 years as a resident in St Ita’s Psychiatric Hospital, the last five

enjoying the freedom of her own room. It has seen her come to life after years in dormitory accommodation.