Statement following the death of Sr Stan
Statement following the death of Sr Stan - The Labour Party
Labour’s Conor Sheehan TD has expressed deep sadness following the death of Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, aged 86. A tireless campaigner and advocate for the most marginalised, Sr Stan devoted her life to tackling poverty, homelessness, and inequality in Ireland.
Deputy Sheehan said:
“Sr Stan’s passing marks the loss of one of Ireland’s most extraordinary social reformers. Her vision and humanity transformed how we as a society respond to people in need. In 1985, she founded Focus Point – now Focus Ireland – after seeing first-hand the suffering of women experiencing homelessness in Dublin. Four decades later, the organisation she built continues to provide dignity, hope and support to thousands of people across the country.
“When she first set up Focus, Sr Stan believed homelessness could be solved within a decade. The problem persisted – but so too did her campaigning. Her voice was always clear, courageous and compassionate. Whether speaking truth to power, demanding action from Government, or comforting someone who had lost their home, she embodied empathy and conviction in equal measure.
“Her contribution went far beyond Focus Ireland. She was a founder, a teacher, and a relentless advocate for justice. Through her work with the Immigrant Council of Ireland and the Combat Poverty Agency she shaped a kinder and fairer Ireland.
“Sr Stan showed us what leadership, compassion and conviction truly look like. May she rest in peace.”