A vigil was held this evening in memory of the late Vanessa O'Callaghan who died after she was attacked by up to three people at a soup kitchen in Cork city centre last Sunday.
Organised by the Kindness Krew volunteer group, people gathered outside the former Savoy Cinema on Patrick Street ahead of tonight's soup run for the memorial service.
There were a number of photographs of 36-year-old Ms O'Callaghan who was originally from the Middle Parish in the city, as well as a memorial book filled by many of those who attended.
The woman was attacked by up to three people after she had just been given some food and a sleeping bag by the volunteers.
One of the volunteers - Roslyn Barrett - spotted her on the ground and started CPR when she couldn't find a pulse but sadly Ms O’Callaghan passed away in hospital on Wednesday.
Volunteer Jade Millar read a short poem about Ms O’Callaghan at the vigil before balloons were released into the night sky.
Ms Millar said everyone was heartbroken.
"She was a huge part of the homeless community, a lovely girl. We are still shook over it," she said.
Ms Millar added: "We will always remember her smile. Always pleasant and polite. Lovely girl."
Among those who gathered were Ms O’Callaghan's mother Ellen and a number of her sisters, as well as two of her children.
Ms O’Callaghan's sister Aisling said her sister had a very hard life and had gone through a lot when her first brother died.
"Then my other brother died, and my dad died. But she left three gifts in this world, she left three beautiful gifts that no one can take from us."
Aisling O'Callaghan expressed confidence in the garda investigation into her sister's death.
No arrests have so far been made but multiple statements and CCTV footage have been gathered as the investigation into her death continues.
Ms O’Callaghan's funeral is to take place on Tuesday at St Peter and Paul's Church in the city at 10am followed by a burial at St Catherine's Cemetery in Kilcully.
