Campaigner and advocate Sr Stanislaus Kennedy dies aged 86

Social justice advocate and campaigner Sister Stanislaus "Stan" Kennedy has died today at the age of 86.

Kennedy passed away this morning at the St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown following a period of illness.

“Sr Stan was a powerful voice for compassion, equality, and systemic change throughout her life," said Sr Patricia Lenihan, Superior General of the Religious Sisters of Charity, of which Kennedy was a member.

"She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, co-workers and the Congregation. 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."

Kennedy joined the Religious Sisters of Charity in 1958 and founded the charity Focus Ireland in 1985 following research into the needs of homeless women in Dublin in the 1980s.

Focus Ireland CEO Pat Dennigan said in a statement the organisation is "deeply saddened and heart broken" by her passing.

"Sr. Stan, as she was affectionately known, 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," Dennigan said.

"Her amazing energy along with her unwavering commitment to ending homelessness saw Focus Ireland grow over the years to the leading housing and homelessness charity it is today. Stan’s fierce advocacy for social justice, and her deep empathy for those most marginalised in our society inspired generations of staff, volunteers and supporters.

"Her leadership was rooted in love, dignity, and respect. She never lost sight of the individual stories and people behind the statistics. Sr. Stan’s legacy will live on, and her vision will continue to guide us. We will not see her like again that is for sure. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, the Religious Sisters of Charity and the very many people whose lives she touched and changed for the better."

Born Treasa Kennedy in 1939 in Dingle, Co. Kerry, she was based in Kilkenny as a nun before moving to Dublin to pursue her charity work and obtain a Master of Social Science at University College Dublin.

Kennedy was appointed to the Council of State in 1997 and served until 2004.

In 1998, Kennedy and fellow nun Sr Síle Wall founded the Sanctuary, a meditation centre with an emphasis on social justice.

In 2001, Kennedy founded the Immigrant Council of Ireland to support new immigrants living in the country and the Young Social Innovators to encourage social innovation education for young people in Ireland.

Immigrant Council of Ireland CEO Teresa Buczkowska described Kennedy as "a courageous and intrepid woman" in a statement today.

"Sr Stan understood how important it is for every human being to have a sense of home, and the challenges facing migrants in a new country," Buczkowska said.

"As a migrant woman myself, I am immensely proud to continue her legacy through the work of the Immigrant Council, but we will miss her guidance, courage, and strength. I will miss her."

She is the author of various books, including her 2011 autobiography The Road Home, My Journey.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed his condolences in a statement today, writing he was "deeply saddened" to hear of her passing.

"I met her many times over the years and always admired her tireless advocacy and her ability to inform policy," Martin said.

"She had great energy. She was a true Christian who dedicated her life to helping those on the margins. My thoughts and prayers are with Sr Stan’s family and friends at this time."

Tánaiste Simon Harris also paid tribute in a statement, describing Kennedy as "a formidable force in public life" and recounting meeting Kennedy while Taoiseach in 2024.

"She devoted her life to tirelessly advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable people in Irish society," Harris said.

"I found it inspirational when I met Sr Stan as Taoiseach to discuss our ongoing housing challenges and she continued to display all the same passion and determination as she had for all of her long years of service to those in need, and most particularly women.

"She made an immeasurable impact on Irish society. The country will be lesser for her passing. May she rest in peace."

Also in a statement today, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said he was "so sad" to hear of the passing of "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," Browne said.

"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."

President Michael D. Higgins issued a letter paying tribute to Kennedy this afternoon.

"I will always associate her with 1974, when in Kilkenny with my colleague the late Séamus Ó Cinnéide and others, they read papers on poverty in Ireland, described in the media as 'the discovery of poverty in Ireland,'" Higgins said.

"Telling the truth of inequality required a woman of immense courage and vision. She was that. I had the privilege of meeting with her on many occasions over the years. On each occasion, she demonstrated the generosity of spirit, integrity and immense strength of character that defined her life’s work.

"Sister Stan’s contribution to Irish society is profound...She will be greatly missed as an iconic figure on social justice and care."