Sister Hickey has lived ‘a life of profound dedication and impact’
14:01, 31 Jan 2026Updated 14:33, 31 Jan 2026
Sr. Colette Hickey(Image: Edel Houe)
A well-known Cork homelessness charity is celebrating its founder’s birthday as she turns a ‘remarkable’ 108 years old today. Sister Colettte Hickey has been a lifelong advocate for the homeless who set up Edel House as an emergency refuge for women in children in 1972.
Born in Waterford, Sr Hickey is a member of the Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, who dedicate their lives to the care of women and children in difficulty. In 1972, Sr Hickey opened the original Edel House Emergency Accommodation on Dyke Parade, laying the groundwork for the charity’s modern operations.
Now situated in Grattan Street, Sr Hickey’s work enabled Edel House to become the organisation it is today. Each year, the charity helps hundreds of women and children escape homelessness and other difficult situations as they rebuild their lives. Sr Hickey has been widely recognised for her charitable work over the years, becoming the first ever Cork Person of the Year back in 1993.
While Sr Hickey has stepped back from the day-to-day operations of the charity, she still enjoys hearing updates on the tremendous work being done by staff and volunteers.
A spokesperson for Edel House said: “Today, we honour and celebrate the incredible 108th birthday of Sr. Colette Hickey, a visionary who planted the seed that blossomed into what we now know as Good Shepherd Cork over 50 years ago.
“Born on 31st January 1918, at the foot of the stunning Comeragh Mountains in Co. Waterford, Sr. Colette has lived a life of profound dedication and impact. Though her body is frail, her mind remains sharp, and she continues to enjoy hearing updates from the Good Shepherd Cork community.
“We are forever grateful for her pioneering spirit and lasting legacy. Wishing Sr. Colette a very happy birthday and many blessings!”
Sr Hickey’s life of selfless dedication has helped inspire many Rebels in their own acts of kindness. In the run-up to Christmas, Edel House received a literal bus-load of toys in a charity drive organised by local chef Bryan Clarke.
Originally from Cavan, Bryan is the head chef at the Briar Rose in Douglas. When he was young, Bryan’s mother left the family home with him and his siblings, eventually securing accommodation at a women’s refuge. Reflecting on that experience after his mother’s passing, Bryan reached out to the staff at Edel House with an idea to help make Christmas special for the families living there.
Since lockdown ended, Bryan has been running a toy drive for the children at Edel House, and he spends his Christmas day preparing a festive feast for those living in sheltered accommodation. It’s one of countless acts of selflessness and kindness that have helped write the story of Edel House, and it all began with Sr Hickey’s diligent work.
After such a remarkable 108 years, it’s safe to say that there will be plenty of people wishing the charity founder well today. Happy birthday, Sister Hickey.