Woman, 36, dies following assault in Cork City

Vanessa O'Callaghan had been at a soup kitchen in the city centre when she was attacked

The incident happened at around 8pm on St Patrick's street outside the former Savoy Cinema. 

A 36 year old woman who was assaulted while she was availing of the services of a soup kitchen on Patrick Street in Cork last Sunday has died in hospital.

Vanessa O’Callaghan was attacked by up to three people at about 8pm last Sunday outside the former Savoy Cinema in the city centre. She passed away at Cork University Hospital this afternoon.

Ms O’Callaghan was assisted at the scene of the attack by a member of the “Kindness Krew",  volunteer Rosalyn Barrett who administered CPR prior to the arrival of the emergency services.

Earlier today Ms Barrett told Cork’s RedFM, that Ms O’Callaghan had a pulse but was “turning blue" when she went to her aid.

“I started CPR on her. I don’t know where I found the strength to do it. I did it until the paramedics arrived. The ambulance operator could hear the commotion going on so they were there within five or ten minutes."

Ms Barrett described Ms O’Callaghan as “a quiet and mannerly girl” who regularly used their service.

“We gave her a sleeping bag on Sunday night. Obviously she didn’t have a sleeping bag. God help her she didn’t even get to use it.” 

Meanwhile, a postmortem examination is due to be carried out following the death of Ms O’Callaghan. It will determine the course of the garda investigation. However, the death is expected to be upgraded to a murder probe.

CCTV footage from area businesses is being harvested and a large number of witness statements have been made. Investigations are ongoing.

Gardai have asked that members of the public who were in the area of Patrick Street between 7pm and 8pm on Sunday night, and who may have video footage (including dash cam) contact Anglesea Garda Station on 021 4522000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.