Family of Ann Delaney 'upset and angry' over online comments following her death

The family of nurse Ann Delaney who died last week after she was found unresponsive at Aungier Street in Dublin city centre say they have been left hurt by "uninformed and nasty comments" posted online and on social media.

A vigil took place in the capital following the 47-year-old's death and the mother-of-one, who lived rough, was laid to rest in her native Co. Laois last Thursday.

Her death attracted significant media coverage and commentary as well as comments on social media.

In a statement, read out on RTÉ Radio's Liveline this Tuesday, Ann's family expressed their anger and upset at some of the online comments.  

"While I don't have to justify what my family did and how much we tried to help her, we have been left hurt by the uninformed and nasty comments online," said her brother Thomas who made contact with the programme.

"In addition to grieving the loss of a family member, I have to deal with these painful comments, which faceless people hiding behind keyboards leave on various social media sites and comment sections. Hurtful comments do not wash over me - the disgusting comments leave me angry," added the statement, which was read to listeners by Joe Duffy.

In the statement, Ann's family went on to acknowledge the outpouring of grief at the vigil in Dublin city and "the overwhelming support" they received from their local community in Co. Laois.

"We will never forget what our neighbours and friends did to help us - we are good people who did not turn our backs on our sister," it read.

Members of the Delaney family have appealed to people "not to hijack Ann's story for their own purposes" as, they say, she was a daughter, sister and mother and should not be used as a rallying call.

"She was never homeless. As a family, our door was always open to her; we are good people - we did not turn our backs on our sister - we would ask people not to hijack Ann's story for their own purposes," concluded the statement.