A woman who befriended thousands of homeless people died yesterday in Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
She was Ms Ellen McGuire, a founder member and secretary of the Youth in Need organisation, which has helped thousands of Irish emigrants in London for the past 20 years.
Members of Youth in Need formed a guard of honour at the removal of the remains to Thurles Cathedral yesterday and interment will be at St Patrick's Cemetery, Thurles, today.
Ms McGuire helped to organise several tonnes of food aid for the homeless Irish on the streets of London and she was also involved in the annual Christmas rescue to repatriate young Irish teenagers who got into difficulties while in London.