Ireland mourns the passing of Sr Stan

Ireland is mourning the death of one of its most beloved social justice campaigners, Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, who has passed away at the age of 86.

Known to many simply as Sr Stan, she died this morning at St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown after a period of illness.

Born Treasa Kennedy in Lispole, on the Dingle Peninsula in 1939, Sr Stan devoted her life to helping others and became one of the most respected voices for compassion, equality, and reform in modern Ireland.

Over a lifetime of service that spanned six decades, she founded some of the country’s most influential social organisations, including Focus Ireland, the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Young Social Innovators, and The Sanctuary.

Sr Stan joined the Religious Sisters of Charity in 1958, inspired by the example of their foundress Mary Aikenhead, and was professed in January 1960.

Her early work involved developing social services in Kilkenny before moving into national and European anti-poverty initiatives.

She later served on the Council of State from 1997 to 2004, having been appointed by President Mary McAleese.

In 1985, following research into the needs of women experiencing homelessness in Dublin, she founded Focus Point, which would later become Focus Ireland.

Her vision was simple but profound, that everyone should have a place they can call home.

That belief became the cornerstone of what is now Ireland’s largest homelessness and housing charity.

Pat Dennigan, CEO of Focus Ireland, said staff and volunteers were “deeply saddened and heartbroken” by her loss.

“Sr Stan was a visionary, a tireless advocate, and a compassionate force for change whose legacy will forever shape the heart, soul, and values of Focus Ireland,” he said.

“Her amazing energy and unwavering commitment to ending homelessness saw Focus Ireland grow into the leading housing and homelessness charity it is today. She never lost sight of the individual stories and people behind the statistics.”

Dennigan added that her influence reached far beyond Focus Ireland. “Sr Stan’s energy and vision also led her to found a number of other organisations which work for social justice in Ireland, including the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Young Social Innovators and The Sanctuary. We share our loss with them.”

The Religious Sisters of Charity described her as “a powerful voice for compassion, equality, and systemic change throughout her life.”

“While there is a deep sadness, we are confident that her legacy of a life dedicated to the service of others in need will continue to inspire us and generations of activists and social innovators in Ireland,” said Sr Patricia Lenihan, Superior General.

Minister James Browne TD also extended his condolences on the passing of Sr Stanwho was a pioneer in the development of supports for those experiencing homelessness. 

“I am so sad to hear of the passing of Sr Stanislaus Kennedy – known fondly and widely as Sr Stan – who has died at the age of 86,” Minister Browne said.

She was an incredible activist and advocate.

“I last met her in May, as the charity she founded – Focus Ireland – were turning the sod of new social and affordable homes in Cabra, a typical example of the valuable difference she and her charity continued make to help the most disadvantaged.

“Sr Stan sought, throughout her entire life, to ensure the voices of those most marginalised or forgotten, including those who are homeless or new to this country, were raised. She charged the state to do better and deliver more, and she was right.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Sr Stan’s family and loved ones at this time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

Throughout her life, Sr Stan challenged inequality, confronted indifference, and refused to accept that poverty and homelessness were inevitable.

She believed in the power of empathy and in the dignity of every person, values that shaped her work and her influence across Irish society.

Her achievements were recognised through numerous honours, including the Meteor Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2004, the UCD Alumni Award for Social Sciences in 2014, and honorary doctorates from Trinity College Dublin, UCD, and the Open University.

She was also a bestselling author, reflecting on her life’s work and philosophy in books such as The Road Home.

Tributes have been pouring in from across the country, with many describing her as “a national treasure” and “a moral compass” in times when Ireland often struggled with issues of homelessness, immigration, and social exclusion.

Sr Stan’s life was defined by her belief that change begins with compassion, and by her conviction that society’s most vulnerable deserve not charity, but justice.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.