THE Irish Ambassador to Britain Adrian O’Neill has led the tributes to community leader Alice Kennedy who has died after contracting Covid-19.
A native of Co. Laois, Ms Kennedy was Chair of the Irish Elderly Advice Network for many years and also a member of the Irish Pensioners Choir, both based at the London Irish Centre.
Alice Kennedy, right, pictured at the Irish Chaplaincy Concert in St. James' Church, Piccadilly in January (Pic: Gerry Molumby)As the news of the 83-year-old's death broke, Ambassador O’Neil re-tweeted an image of Alice with the choir at a recent Embassy event.
He said: “Alice in full voice, as we will remember her. May she rest in peace.”
The Irish Embassy tweeted their “condolences to all of Alice’s family, colleagues and friends”.
Alice in full voice and as we will remember her. May she rest in peace. https://t.co/LbnmyGRhhk
— Adrian O'Neill (@AdrianGONeill) April 2, 2020
The London Irish Centre (LIC) also paid their respects today, tweeting images of Ms Kennedy along with the message: “You will be dearly missed by all your friends at the London Irish Centre.”
Rest in peace, Alice.
You will be dearly missed by all your friends at the London Irish Centre 💚 pic.twitter.com/ihXVT4yBZN
— London Irish Centre (@LDNIrishCentre) April 2, 2020
LIC CEO Ellen Ryan told The Irish Post: "Laois-women, Alice Kennedy, was a proud and much-loved member of the London Irish Centre community. We are deeply sad to hear of her sudden passing."
She added: "Through Alice's work with the Irish Elderly Advice Network and the London Irish Pensioner's Choir, both based at the London Irish Centre, she was a much-loved regular around the building.
"Alice's unexpected passing is a heartbreaking case of the special vulnerability of the older Irish in London to Covid-19, and a reminder for all us to do everything we can to keep the vulnerable, safe, supported and at home.
"Our London Irish Centre team will never forget Alice's bright smile and sense of fun, and we send our sincere condolence to her loved ones."
The London Irish Centre is currently responding to the coronavirus crisis with a number of emergency measures and services for the most vulnerable members of the Irish community.
A fundraising appeal has been set up to support that, which you can donate to here.
