In Vicky Phelan's adopted Limerick home, even the unseasonal sunshine on Shannonside could not dry the tears her death had brought.
A book of condolence was opened at City Hall, the headquarters of Limerick City and County Council, where the tricolor was flown at half-mast in honor of the Kilkenny mother-of-two, who was awarded the Freedom of the City last February.
When asked to summarize what the cancer activist means to them, some people in Treaty City's streets struggled to hold back tears.
Pauline Ryan from Dooradoyle expressed tribute while sobbing:
"It's really tragic, Vicky battled so hard; god bless her and her family. I'll remember her for the battle she had and the patients she spoke up for, particularly the women with cervical cancer who had been overlooked - Vicky put it out there."
Ryan reflected, "I hope we learn.
Despite her deteriorating health, 48-year-old Vicky Phelan brought her renowned steely tenacity on the night she was named a Freewoman of Limerick.
Vicky told reporters nine months ago at the event at Limerick County Hall that she wants to be recognized as "someone who asks questions... I believe my legacy is that I would hope that people would learn to stand up for themselves as that is actually what I would counsel anyone to do.
For a week, the online Book of Condolences will be accessible. All condolences will be printed and placed in a book that will be given to the Phelan family.
Vicky Phelan was honored by the mayor of Limerick City and County, Cllr. Francis Foley, who said she had "tirelessly campaigned for better healthcare for women, discovered the CervicalCheck scandal in her quest for answers, and used her voice to advocate and support other women who had been affected and were fighting for justice."
Vicky's funeral arrangements have not yet been made public, however it is known that pop singer Bressie will perform at the service. Galway rockers The Stunning are also anticipated to play their popular song, "Brewing Up A Storm," which was Phelan's favorite.
Toni Kearney, an Old Cratloe Road shopper in Limerick, summed up the city's response to hearing of the death of their chosen heroine:
"If there is a greater honor than the Freedom of the City, Vicky should receive it; she deserves it because hundreds, if not thousands, of women are alive today as a result of her, and because people are more aware of the need to verify information. Vicky is to be commended for saving lives, which is the truth.
She was an amazing person; may she rest in peace.
Councilman for Fine Gale, Daniel Butler, who gave Vicky Phelan the city's freedom while serving as Mayor of Limerick, proposed:
"Vicky became 'our Vicky' from Limerick's perspective; there is a love affair between Limerick's people and Vicky, and today that love is being expressed in heartbreak and hurt, as we try to come to terms with the loss of a colossus who has inspired us, a national heroine, a national hero, and someone who has saved lives and changed our country for the better.
He also paid respect to Vicky's outspoken advocacy for giving terminally sick and life-debilitating patients the option to end their suffering by receiving medical assistance in dying.
"Vicky has empowered us all as people interacting with the medical system, especially women, that has to be highlighted. She has also transformed our connection with death; she started a national discourse that makes us a better society."
"Vicky lived her life in a way that altered Ireland for the better; she showed us how to live our lives and that living our lives is not just about ourselves; it's about the greater good as well."
