Call for Dublin street to be named after Capuchin Day Centre founder Brother Kevin Crowley
His funeral mass will take place in Dublin tomorrow morning at the Church of St Mary of the Angels at 11am.
Senator Aubrey McCarthy, who founded the charity Tiglin, which provides supports to people experiencing homelessness and addiction, has said naming a street in honour of Br Kevin 'would be a fitting and permanent tribute to a man who gave so much to Dublin'.
Mr McCarthy has written to the Lord Mayor of Dublin City Council requesting that the move be considered as a way to honour Br Kevin's contribution to Irish society.
'Br Kevin was a beacon of compassion, dignity, and service in our city,' he said.
'His legacy is etched into the lives of thousands of people he helped quietly, humbly, and without judgment. Naming a street after him would be a fitting and permanent tribute to a man who gave so much to Dublin.'
Born in Kilcolman in Enniskeane, Co Cork in February of 1935, Br Kevin was baptised with the name William.
He entered the Capuchin Postulancy in Co Kilkenny in April 1958. In October of that year, he was admitted to the Novitiate in Rochestown in Cork where he received the name Kevin.
After spending time working in the Cooperative Clothing Guild in Dublin, he had offices on Bow Street reconstructed to build the Capuchin Day Centre.
The organisation, which was visited by Pope Francis during his time in Ireland in 2018, has become a vital facility for supporting poor and homeless people in Dublin.
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President Michael D Higgins led tributes to Br Kevin earlier this week, praising his 'invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city' through the 'essential services' the centre provides.
He described him as a 'warm, caring, yet fearless man, who dedicated his life to living his Christian faith in dedication to those most in need'.
'The hot meals, food parcels, clothing, showers, family services, and medical and dental services have not just extended care of the most vulnerable, but have been exemplary in showing a fundamental respect for the dignity of each person and allowed so many of those who have availed of the services to rebuild their lives," he said.
The Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, said his work and the work of the staff and volunteers 'transformed the lives of the poor and marginalised in our city who availed of its services, from misery and despair to hope and love'.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described Br Kevin as a 'good friend' and 'proud Cork man' who was 'a tireless and passionate advocate for justice, dedicating his life to helping those in need'.
'His compassion, devotion and non-judgmental approach to helping the marginalised was unwavering,' he said.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said Br Kevin was 'one of life's true heroes' who dedicated his life to helping others.
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Irish Independent
41 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
Brother Kevin Crowley had a ‘simple mission' in life to ‘feed and house the poor', funeral told
The funeral for Brother Kevin Crowley was held at St Mary of the Angels in Dublin (Yui Mok/PA) Brother Kevin, who died on Wednesday at the age of 90, founded the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 1969 in response to seeing homeless men eating from rubbish bins. Throughout a 55-year history, he oversaw much of its development in response to the needs of homeless people. Brother Kevin Crowley founded the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 1969 (PA) The centre offers two hot meals per day Monday to Saturday, as well as food parcels and a range of services including clothing, showering facilities, and medical interventions. It provides more than 1,000 hot breakfasts and dinners each day. Brother Kevin was said to be grateful to be awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin in 2015 and for the visit of Pope Francis to the centre in August 2018. He retired in 2022 to Cork, where he was born and died earlier this week. President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina arrive at the funeral mass (Conor O Mearain/PA) His funeral took place at St Mary of the Angels on Church Street in Dublin on Saturday. President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins were among guests in an 'overflowing' church, which the service heard was receiving guests from all over the island of Ireland. Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell and former primate of Ireland Diarmuid Martin attended the mass alongside Capuchin Franciscans and staff at the day centre. Also present were Commandant Joe Glennon representing Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who is concluding a trade mission in Japan, Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam, and other public representatives from the city council and Oireachtas. Leading the service as provincial minister, Brother Richard Hendrick welcomed Brother Kevin's 'two families' – his natural family as well as the staff, volunteers and guests of the Day Centre. 'You are all welcome here today. While Brother Kevin was the inspiration and face as it were of the work of the centre, without all of you there would be much less reason for our gathering. 'We thank you for all you were to Brother Kevin, for all you are to us Capuchin Friars and for all you do to keep that vision alive of a place of refuge and Franciscan welcome in the heart of the city open to all.' Brother Richard said they had been 'inundated' with stories of the care and love Brother Kevin shared to others, as well as the love shared to him. Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald attended (Conor O Mearain/PA) He said Brother Kevin vision was that no one would go hungry and that all would fall a place of inclusive welcome and peace. Brother Richard said the day centre 'will continue and grow' as long as there are guests who need its services. Recalling recent queries from visitors if the centre would stop operating, he added: 'I think Kevin would haunt us all if there was even a thought of that.' Brother Richard thanked all those who had gathered, as well as all those worked at the day centre. 'Yesterday, we heard that there would be two minutes of silence – one in Dublin and one in Cork before the GAA matches take place. 'It is probably Kevin's greatest achievement that as a Cork man he has finally silenced Dublin.' In a homily, Brother Patrick Flynn said Brother Kevin gave a 'life's service' to the poor. He said the proud west Cork man was a 'very, very good Capuchin friar', a 'man of God', a 'disciple of Jesus Christ', and a 'humble, devout son of St Francis of Assisi'. 'He was a Capuchin to his fingerprints. Most people didn't know his family name of Crowley, but they knew of 'Brother Kevin'.' Brother Patrick said Brother Kevin was known the length and breadth of the country as a 'tireless advocate for those with no voice', acting as the nation's conscience to remind the public of their obligation to help others out of the trap of poverty. 'He was fearless, relentless in his pursuit of justice for the poor. I've no doubt that his great spiritual father St Francis is embracing him today for the love and compassion he extended throughout his religious life for God's poor.' He added: 'Kevin had a mission in life, it was very simple: Feed and house the poor. 'He couldn't understand why in our country we couldn't solve this problem.' The order of service (Conor O Mearain/PA) Brother Patrick said Brother Kevin was a man who enjoyed the company of friars and friends, had a love of the GAA marked by a hurley placed beside his coffin during the service, and who had a great sense of humour demonstrated by his ability to laugh at himself. Remembering his friend for over 60 years, he concluded: 'He wasn't perfect, he could be feisty and challenging when he disagreed with you. 'But what he did have in abundance was a generous, compassionate heart and that is what made the man. 'Kevin, thank you for your good example.' The service was also read letters containing tributes from the Apostolic Nuncio of Ireland Luis Mariano Montemayor and General Councillor Brother Marek Miszczynski. Brother Kevin's burial site is at Dardistown Cemetery.
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Brother Kevin Crowley remembered for life-long ‘mission' to help homeless as Capuchin Day Centre founder laid to rest
BROTHER Kevin Crowley had a "simple mission" to feed and house the poor, his funeral has been told. Brother Kevin, who 4 Brother Kevin Crowley sadly passed away on Wednesday Credit: Garrett White - The Sun Dublin 4 President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina arrive at the funeral mass for Brother Kevin Crowley Credit: � 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved 4 Diarmuid Martin former Archbishop of Dublin also attended the mass Credit: � 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved Throughout a 55-year history, he oversaw much of its development in response to the needs of homeless people. The centre offers two hot meals per day Monday to Saturday, as well as food parcels and a range of services including clothing, showering facilities, and medical interventions. It provides more than 1,000 hot breakfasts and dinners each day. Brother Kevin was said to be grateful to be awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin in 2015 and for the visit of Pope Francis to the centre in August 2018. He retired in 2022 to READ MORE IN NEWS His funeral took place at St Mary of the Angels on Church Street in Dublin this morning. President Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell and former primate of Ireland Diarmuid Martin attended the mass alongside Capuchin Franciscans and staff at the day centre. Also present were Commandant Joe Glennon representing Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who is concluding a trade mission in Japan, Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam, and other public representatives from the city council and Oireachtas. Most read in Irish News 'TWO FAMILIES' Leading the service as provincial minister, Brother Richard Hendrick welcomed Brother Kevin's "two families" - his natural family as well as the staff, volunteers and guests of the Day Centre. He said: "You are all welcome here today. While Brother Kevin was the inspiration and face as it were of the work of the centre, without all of you there would be much less reason for our gathering. "We thank you for all you were to Brother Kevin, for all you are to us Capuchin Friars and for all you do to keep that vision alive of a place of refuge and Franciscan welcome in the heart of the city open to all." Brother Richard said they had been "inundated" with stories of the care and love Brother Kevin shared to others, as well as the love shared to him. He said Brother Kevin vision was that no one would go hungry and that all would fall a place of inclusive welcome and peace. Brother Richard said the day centre "will continue and grow" as long as there are guests who need its services. Recalling recent queries from visitors if the centre would stop operating, he added: "I think Kevin would haunt us all if there was even a thought of that." 'GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT' Brother Richard thanked all those who had gathered, as well as all those worked at the day centre. He said: "Yesterday, we heard that there would be two minutes of silence - one in Dublin and one in Cork before the GAA matches take place. "It is probably Kevin's greatest achievement that as a Cork man he has finally silenced Dublin." In a homily, Brother Patrick Flynn said Brother Kevin gave a "life's service" to the poor. He said the proud west Cork man was a "very, very good Capuchin friar", a "man of God", a "disciple of Jesus Christ", and a "humble, devout son of St Francis of Assisi". "He was a Capuchin to his fingerprints. Most people didn't know his family name of Crowley, but they knew of 'Brother Kevin'." Brother Patrick said Brother Kevin was known the length and breadth of the country as a "tireless advocate for those with no voice", acting as the nation's conscience to remind the public of their obligation to help others out of the trap of poverty. "He was fearless, relentless in his pursuit of justice for the poor. I've no doubt that his great spiritual father St Francis is embracing him today for the love and compassion he extended throughout his religious life for God's poor." He added: "Kevin had a mission in life, it was very simple: Feed and house the poor. "He couldn't understand why in our country we couldn't solve this problem." 'COMPASSIONATE HEART' Brother Patrick said Brother Kevin was a man who enjoyed the company of friars and friends, had a love of the GAA marked by a hurley placed beside his coffin during the service, and who had a great sense of humour demonstrated by his ability to laugh at himself. Remembering his friend for over 60 years, he concluded: "He wasn't perfect, he could be feisty and challenging when he disagreed with you. "But what he did have in abundance was a generous, compassionate heart and that is what made the man. "Kevin, thank you for your good example." The service was also read letters containing tributes from the Apostolic Nuncio of Ireland Luis Mariano Montemayor and General Councillor Brother Marek Miszczynski. Brother Kevin's burial site is at Dardistown Cemetery. 4 The order of service for the funeral mass of Brother Kevin Crowley Credit: � 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
'Fearless and relentless': Brother Kevin Crowley 'inspired Ireland to be kinder to the poor'
The founder of Dublin's Capuchin Day Centre was today remembered as a "feisty and challenging' man with a 'compassionate heart' who inspired the people of Ireland to be 'kinder' to the poor. In a tribute to Brother Kevin Crowley, who died at the age of 90 on Wednesday, one of his fellow Capuchin Friars told mourners: 'He wasn't perfect. He could be feisty and challenging when he disagreed with you. 'But what he did have in abundance was a generous, compassionate heart, and that is what made the man.' Brother Patrick Flynn added: 'Kevin, thank you for your good example you gave us Capuchins and also to the people of Ireland for inspiring us to be kinder, more thoughtful and more generous to our poor sisters and brothers who live among us.' President Michael D Higgins arriving at the funeral mass of Brother Kevin Crowley at St. Mary of the Angels Church, 7 Church Ter, Church St, Dublin. Picture: Leah Farrell/© His homily received a round of applause from mourners packed into the Church of St Mary of the Angels, Church Street, Dublin 7. They included President Michael D Higgins, the Dublin Lord Mayor Ray McAdam, and Commandant Joe Glennon, Aide de Camp representing Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris. Mourners at the service, which was celebrated by Capuchin Franciscan priest-friar Brother Richard Hendrick, also heard Br Kevin's motto was 'Do it, damn it'. Brother Patrick said: 'He couldn't understand why our country couldn't solve this problem (of poverty). You see, he was the kind of man that didn't see problems. 'He only saw challenges. His attitude, our motto was, do it, damn it. He was never afraid to speak his mind, and he didn't worry if he upset people and the government or anybody else. 'He was a voice speaking loudly and clearly in the name of God's poor and our poor. He was a tireless advocate for those with no voice. 'He was at one with his people, reaching out with his loving, generous, compassionate heart. He was our conscience, reminding us of our obligation to support and help our sisters and brothers who are caught in the poverty trap with no way out unless we bend down to lift him up. 'He was fearless, relentless in his pursuit of justice for the poor.' Former Archbishop Diarmuid Martin on his way to the funeral of Brother Kevin Crowley at St. Mary of the Angels Church, 7 Church Ter, Church St, Dublin. Picture: Leah Farrell/© Originally from Enniskeane, West Cork , Brother Kevin founded the day centre for homeless people on Bow Street in Dublin in 1969. He became and remained synonymous with serving Dublin's poor at a centre that today provides food and shelter to an average of 800 people each day. When he retired at the age of 87 in August 2022, he said he planned to leave Dublin and return to what he described as 'the most beautiful county in Ireland' - his native Cork. Despite this, he made no secret of his fondness for Dublin, and boasted of being 'a great Dubs supporter'. Mourners heard he received many awards and honors over the years for his work in the day centre, including Freedom of the City of Dublin. But they also heard he 'never took these honours too seriously'. Brother Patrick said: 'His focus was always on other people. He wanted to help other people. He was really good at spotting people who were in distress and gently taking them under his wing. It was a gift that he excelled in. 'Countless men and women today would say that Kevin saved their lives.' Mourners were also told that although he rarely spoke about them he had had 'huge' health issues of his own for more than 40 years. He was one of the first people in the country to have open heart surgery. 'He never made much of his sickness through all the years he was in and out of hospital,' Brother Patrick said. 'It's amazing that he lived to his 91st year. It's simply a miracle.' To laughter, he added: 'A story he told me himself was that one day he met his surgeon who had performed the surgery on his heart and he looked at Kevin and he said to him, don't tell me you're still alive.'
