“Through our compassion, we too can change the world.”

Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, beloved founder and Life President of Focus Ireland, leaves behind a remarkable legacy of compassion, vision, and tireless advocacy for those experiencing homelessness and disadvantage in Ireland.

Sr. Stan’s legacy will live on in every service we deliver, every life we touch, and every positive change we help to bring about.

a black and white photo of Sister Stan

Timeline

Sister Stan with her parents.

1939

Treasa Kennedy is born on 19 June on Kerry’s Dingle Peninsula. One of five children, she has a happy, simple childhood

Sister Stan

1958

At the age of 18, she joins the Religious Sisters of Charity after being inspired by the work of its founder, Mary Aikenhead. She is later given the religious name “Sister Stanislaus.

Sister Stan with Bishop Peter Birch

1963

Sr Stan is sent on a mission to Kilkenny where, with Bishop Peter Birch, she spends 19 years developing the county’s social services.

Four people sit and smile. Sister Stan is in the middle. The Photo is black and White and was taken in the 1970's

1974

Sr Stan is named the first chairwoman of the National Committee on Pilot Schemes to Combat Poverty. During this time, she is described by the then Minister for Health, Charles Haughey, as “the most intransigent woman I’ve ever met”. Sr Stan wore it like a badge of honour.

1983

Sr Stan carries out pioneering research into “hidden homelessness” by living with eight homeless women in a top-floor flat on Eustace Street, Dublin. Her research reveals that many homeless women are largely invisible.

A busy coffee shop in the 1980's

1985

Sr Stan founds Focus Point (which becomes Focus Ireland) as a centre offering advice, information, and a welcoming place for people facing homelessness. That year, she is appointed by the European Commission as Transnational Coordinator for its Rural Anti-Poverty Programme

A man and woman outside the Focus Ireland Coffee Shop. The woman is a wheelchair user.

1986

Sr Stan launches Focus Ireland’s 365-day coffee shop in Temple Bar, Dublin, with subsidised meals, caseworker support, and a dignified space for the “hidden homeless.’’

Sister Stan sits in the garden at the sanctuary. They are wearing blue coat and pick wooly hat

1998

Sr Stan founds The Sanctuary, a centre for meditation and spiritual reflection, on Stanhope Street in Dublin.

A picture of Sister Stan. They are sitting at a desk smiling to camera.

2001

Sr Stan founds the Immigrant Council of Ireland to support migrant rights, integration, and advocacy. Sr Stan founds Social Innovations Ireland and, with Rachel Collier, co-founds Young Social Innovators (YSI) to empower young people’s involvement on social issues

Sister Stan sits with her hands on their lap. They are wearing a blue scarf.

2015

As Life President of Focus Ireland, she continues to guide its vision and speak out on issues of homelessness and housing justice.

An exterior shot of Abbey Court housing development in Nenagh, Tipperary.

2022

Abbey Court, Nenagh, Co.Tipperary.

2020

Focus Ireland’s Family Centre opens in response to the need for a place for families who are experiencing homelessness.

2023

Grand Parade, Cork

A Focus Ireland employee gives a customer keys to her new house

2023

Riverside Killarney Rd, Castleisland, Co Kerry

Sister Stan Speaks at a Focus Ireland event.

2025

Our whole community grieves the passing of our founder Sr Stan, at the age of 86. She was a passionate advocate for people experiencing homelessness. Michael D. Higgins, then President, says she will be remembered as a “fearless advocate for human rights 1974 and equality.”

“We must never forget that the most powerful weapon in the fight against poverty is the hand of friendship.”

A Focus Ireland staff member speaks to customers at the family centre while their child plays.
A runner wears a Focus Ireland top as they hold their marathon finisher medal.
A man and woman outside the Focus Ireland Coffee Shop. The woman is a wheelchair user.
A choir sing at the National Concert Hall
A Focus Ireland employee gives a customer keys to her new house
A headshot of Pat Dennigan
A mother and daughter help each other fold laundry.
A young boy looks camera. He is wearing a blue polo shirt and wearing a backpack.
Two Focus Ireland Fundraisers point at a blue sign as they take part in the Camino de Santiago.
A portrait picture of a man standing outside the Focus Ireland Coffee Shop.
Rachel Collier speaks to camera.
Dee Burke is speaking to camera. They have black hair and is wearing a blue jumper
James speaks to camera. They have dyed blonde hair and is wearing a white t-shirt with a print of a beach scene on it.
A man in a white shirt stands in front of a bright yellow door
A headshot of Emmet Kirwan
A Focus Ireland employee gives a customer keys to her new house
A photo of LEAP Ambassador Al
A photo of LEAP Ambassador Des
A headshot of Daniel Hoey
A chef holds out a plate of food.
An image of Sarah Ashe speaking.
A woman receives keys from a Focus Ireland employee.
An image of graduate Nadine Rushe speaking.
A young woman sits at a desk studying. She is writing in a notebook as she looks to someone out of shot.
Members of Focus Ireland’s Advocacy Team outside Dail Eireann encouraging people to use their vote to end homelessness.
A photo of Assia Bouno. They is standing in front of a colourful wall
A headshot of Roughan MacNamara
A headshot of Qusair Mahomed
A headshot of Eoin Fitzsimons
A headshot of Grainne Kennedy
A picture of James Flanagan, LEAP Ambassador
A photo of Rebecca O'Connor. They are holding a large white piece of paper and smiling to camera.

Mary McAleese

You look at Focus Ireland, you look at the young social innovators, sanctuary, all the Immigrant Council. "All the things that she set up have a longevity because she forward planned. She's left a phenomenal engine behind her.

Former President of Ireland

Michael D. Higgins

Sr Stan was a "fearless advocate for human rights and equality". “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,

Former President of Ireland

Conor Roe

We’re custodians of this history and Stan’s idea and concept is embodied in this building.

Coffee Shop Manager

Paddy Markey

She had a great way of talking to people at their level.

Coffee Shop Chef

Assia Bouno

It brings joy to my soul that kind Focus Ireland supporters recognise Sr Stan’s vision of an Ireland without homelessness and want to continue the

Fundraising

Rebecca O'Connor

She had a lovely, calm way of being with all the different customers. It was just a really nice experience for people to have... Surely, they’re going to canonise Stan.

Day Services Manager, Coffee Shop
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“The most important thing I want to say, to staff and volunteers and the people who help Focus Ireland, is thank you…”