Who was Sunny Jacobs? A remarkable life from Florida's death row to Connemara
Sonia 'Sunny' Jacobs was 76 when she died on Tuesday morning in a house fire in
Connemara
.
Her tragic death made headlines far beyond
Galway
and Ireland because Jacobs had led a truly remarkable life. It included a death row sentence for the murder of two policemen in Florida in 1976.
She spent 17 years in a US jail, five in solitary confinement, before a deal with prosecutors saw her released in 1995.
Another person died in the fire in the remote cottage, her carer a young man called Kevin Kelly from Moycullen.
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Her life – before and after that highway shooting – has been chronicled in books, a play and a film as Jacobs became a campaigner against the death penalty.
In an extraordinary twist of fate, a coincidence that could barely have been imagined, she ended up married to a man whose experience mirrored hers.
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Death row survivor Sonia 'Sunny' Jacobs found 'tranquility' in Connemara before death in house fire
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]
Peter Pringle had also been handed the death sentence over his part in the murder of two policemen: gardaí John Morley and Henry Byrne during a bank robbery in
Co Roscommon
in 1980.
After serving 15 years in jail, Pringle was acquitted of the killings in 1995 when the Court of Appeal ruled the original verdict was unsafe and unsound.
The two former prisoners met in Ireland at an Amnesty event – Jacobs was a tireless campaigner for the rest of her life – and married in 2011 before settling in Connemara.
Irish Times reporter Ronan McGreevy has been in Connemara where Jacobs found peace and sanctuary and where she died. He tells In the News her story.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey.
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Sunday World
2 hours ago
- Sunday World
Kevin Kelly (31), who died in house fire with Sunny Jacobs, was a ‘free spirit', funeral told
RIP | Mr Kelly died after a fire broke out at a cottage near Casla, a village between Inverin and Carraroe, at around 6am on Tuesday morning. Mourners heard how Mr Kelly was a 'free spirit' who 'loved life' and 'would do anything he could for anybody'. Mr Kelly died after a fire broke out at a cottage near Casla, a village between Inverin and Carraroe, at around 6am on Tuesday morning. He cared for Ms Jacobs in a home-help capacity. She had been living in Ireland since the late 1990s, having spent 17 years in a Florida prison, including five on death row, for the murder of two police officers. She was released from custody in 1992 after her convictions on two counts of murder and one of kidnapping were overturned after procedural errors were identified. All those attending Mr Kelly's funeral mass at Discovery Church in Galway this afternoon were asked to wear bright colours to represent the 'fun, laughter and personality' of the Connemara native. The large numbers gathered were described as a 'testament' to Mr Kelly's character and friendship. A poem dedicated to Mr Kelly, written by family friend Sam Nolan, paid tribute to his 'cheeky smile and positive attitude'. "Kevin met every day. No matter what was on his mind, he was always the same way. He was a happy-go-lucky guy who loved life, what more can we say.' His younger sister Jill told those gathered how Mr Kelly "loved to laugh' and 'loved fun' throughout his life, describing his love for Connemara, for dogs and the lengths he would go to help others. Kevin Kelly News in 90 Seconds - 7th June 'Kev was born 31 years ago on December 28 – 14 days after he was due – and he's been doing things his own way ever since. He was a free spirit and wasn't one bit shy about standing up for what he believed and not doing things just to follow the crowd,' she said. Mr Kelly was born in Dublin but moved to Inishmore at the age of four, a move which 'started his love for the tranquil life, surrounded by the beauty of Connemara'. He would often 'disappear' on a mountain walk with his dog Mollie 'and whichever other dogs he had taken under his wing'. 'When we lived on Inishmore, Kev had a bad encounter with a dog and was bitten in the face… but he loved dogs,' she said. "That's one thing we can all learn from Kevin, the ability to let go and move on. Kev never took life too seriously and was quick to forgive and, for the most part, forget – but you wouldn't fool him twice, he was much too smart for that.' He had a 'protective streak' for his sisters as he had 'such a big heart for all those he loved'. Mr Kelly left school before completing his Leaving Cert and after 'a little big of wandering' found the Galway-based dog rescue and adoption charity Madra. 'It was love at first sight in more ways than one. Kevin's time at Madra completely changed his life. It was where his love of dogs was truly discovered,' she said. It was also where he met his partner Sheree, with his sister describing the couple as "made for each other'. "We've all lost someone today, a son, a brother, a partner, a friend, a rock. He was so many things to so many people and we always will share that grief,' she added. "If you find yourself missing Kev – as I'm sure you will – in the coming days, weeks, months and years. Here are some things you can do to feel close to him: Take a trip to Connemara, find a hill and climb it. "While you're there, go on over to Madra and volunteer to walk some dogs and walk the same route that Kev walked day in, day out, for years.' Mourners were also told to take pictures and 'capture your moments with your loved ones' as Mr Kelly was described as someone who would 'go above and beyond' for those in his life and would 'do anything he could for anybody'. Mourners heard how Mr Kelly was 'a joy and a gift to our lives', with a collection of photographs of Mr Kelly and his friends, family and dogs shared during the service. Mr Kelly was a dedicated volunteer with Madra from the age of nineteen, with the charity this week describing his love of dogs and his beloved pitbull Mollie as a 'huge driving force for him'. He has been remembered for his 'big smile and kindness' and as someone who was 'absolutely magical' with dogs. He will be 'lovingly missed and always remembered by his mother Fiona, his father Ken, Ken's partner Maureen and her son Jonathan, Kevin's partner Sheree, his siblings Jill and Cúán, brothers-in-law Conor and Kal, beloved nieces Hailee-May and Aila- Rose, nephew Ezra, all extended family, friends and neighbours,' his death notice read.
Irish Times
4 hours ago
- Irish Times
Nurse who died running Edinburgh half marathon left ‘an indelible mark'
The requiem mass of a young nurse from Clare who died after participating in the Edinburgh half marathon last month has heard that she was a 'bright and beautiful spirit' who left 'an indelible mark' on those she loved. Olivia Tuohy (24), from Ennis, died on May 25th last. She worked at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, having graduated from Queen Margaret University. Her parents, Kieran and Liz, shared memories of their 'bubbly and kind-hearted daughter' with mourners at Ennis Cathedral today. Liz Tuohy said that they immediately booked a flight from Dublin to Edinburgh when they received the news of what had happened to Olivia at the marathon. READ MORE [ ] 'When we were travelling up to Dublin to go to Edinburgh, we were near the airport and the next thing, my sister said 'Oh my God, look at the rainbow.' There is this big, massive double rainbow – the wildest, biggest [rainbow]. I just remember saying 'Fly High, baby girl'.' 'I would just like to say to family and friends that whenever you see a rainbow, think of Olivia because she will be flying high.' Mrs Tuohy thanked family and friends for their 'unwavering support' in the aftermath of the tragedy. She also expressed her appreciation for the medics and runners who went to the aid of Olivia in Edinburgh. She also took tine to thank the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for all of their efforts on behalf of the family. Kieran Tuohy said Olivia had a 'short' yet 'beautiful life' and had left them with countless memories which they will treasure. [ The sudden death of a young runner touches running spirits everywhere Opens in new window ] Mr Tuohy spoke of his pride in having seen his daughter pass her driving test on her first attempt after an inauspicious start when he was tasked with teaching her the basics. He said the lesson involved the slamming of doors, strong words, apologies and a promise that 'tomorrow there will be no shouting'. Her brother Stephen urged mourners to capture images of their loved ones 'because you might not have the person sitting beside you right now forever'. Olivia's boyfriend Michael said that there was 'nothing left unsaid' between him and the 'kind, beautiful, gorgeous soul' with whom he had shared so many happy times. Offertory symbols included a football and hurley, her nursing uniform, badge and a memory book from staff in the Royal Infirmary, a shopping bag and an Aperol Spritz glass. Burial followed at Drumcliffe Cemetery. A guard of honour was provided at the funeral by some of the clubs with whom Olivia had played before her relocation to Scotland. Ms Tuohy played football with Banner Ladies and camogie with Eire Óg. She was also a junior player with Ennis Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club. She is survived by her parents Kieran and Liz and her brother Stephen and his partner Laura, her partner Michael and his parents Maria-Elena and Steven, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours and her friends in Ireland and Edinburgh.
Irish Independent
5 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Funeral of Kevin Kelly (31) who died in house fire with Sunny Jacobs hears how he would ‘go above and beyond for other'
Mourners heard how Mr Kelly was a 'free spirit' who 'loved life' and 'would do anything he could for anybody'. Mr Kelly died after a fire broke out at a cottage near Casla, a village between Inverin and Carraroe, at around 6am on Tuesday morning. He cared for Ms Jacobs in a home-help capacity. She had been living in Ireland since the late 1990s, having spent 17 years in a Florida prison, including five on death row, for the murder of two police officers. She was released from custody in 1992 after her convictions on two counts of murder and one of kidnapping were overturned after procedural errors were identified. All those attending Mr Kelly's funeral mass at Discovery Church in Galway this afternoon were asked to wear bright colours to represent the 'fun, laughter and personality' of the Connemara native. The large numbers gathered were described as a 'testament' to Mr Kelly's character and friendship. A poem dedicated to Mr Kelly, written by family friend Sam Nolan, paid tribute to his 'cheeky smile and positive attitude'. "Kevin met every day. No matter what was on his mind, he was always the same way. He was a happy-go-lucky guy who loved life, what more can we say.' His younger sister Jill told those gathered how Mr Kelly "loved to laugh' and 'loved fun' throughout his life, describing his love for Connemara, for dogs and the lengths he would go to help others. 'Kev was born 31 years ago on December 28 – 14 days after he was due – and he's been doing things his own way ever since. He was a free spirit and wasn't one bit shy about standing up for what he believed and not doing things just to follow the crowd,' she said. Mr Kelly was born in Dublin but moved to Inishmore at the age of four, a move which 'started his love for the tranquil life, surrounded by the beauty of Connemara'. He would often 'disappear' on a mountain walk with his dog Mollie 'and whichever other dogs he had taken under his wing'. 'When we lived on Inishmore, Kev had a bad encounter with a dog and was bitten in the face… but he loved dogs,' she said. "That's one thing we can all learn from Kevin, the ability to let go and move on. Kev never took life too seriously and was quick to forgive and, for the most part, forget – but you wouldn't fool him twice, he was much too smart for that.' He had a 'protective streak' for his sisters as he had 'such a big heart for all those he loved'. Mr Kelly left school before completing his Leaving Cert and after 'a little big of wandering' found the Galway-based dog rescue and adoption charity Madra. 'It was love at first sight in more ways than one. Kevin's time at Madra completely changed his life. It was where his love of dogs was truly discovered,' she said. It was also where he met his partner Sheree, with his sister describing the couple as "made for each other'. "We've all lost someone today, a son, a brother, a partner, a friend, a rock. He was so many things to so many people and we always will share that grief,' she added. "If you find yourself missing Kev – as I'm sure you will – in the coming days, weeks, months and years. Here are some things you can do to feel close to him: Take a trip to Connemara, find a hill and climb it. "While you're there, go on over to Madra and volunteer to walk some dogs and walk the same route that Kev walked day in, day out, for years.' Mourners were also told to take pictures and 'capture your moments with your loved ones' as Mr Kelly was described as someone who would 'go above and beyond' for those in his life and would 'do anything he could for anybody'. Mourners heard how Mr Kelly was 'a joy and a gift to our lives', with a collection of photographs of Mr Kelly and his friends, family and dogs shared during the service. Mr Kelly was a dedicated volunteer with Madra from the age of nineteen, with the charity this week describing his love of dogs and his beloved pitbull Mollie as a 'huge driving force for him'. He has been remembered for his 'big smile and kindness' and as someone who was 'absolutely magical' with dogs. He will be 'lovingly missed and always remembered by his mother Fiona, his father Ken, Ken's partner Maureen and her son Jonathan, Kevin's partner Sheree, his siblings Jill and Cúán, brothers-in-law Conor and Kal, beloved nieces Hailee-May and Aila- Rose, nephew Ezra, all extended family, friends and neighbours,' his death notice read.
