Paul KeenanPresident Michael D. Higgins has named Br Kevin Crowley, founder of the Capuchin Day Centre as his ‘Dublin hero’ in a new interview.
Responding to a series of questions on his favourite aspects of the capital for a ‘Best of Dublin 2014’ feature in Hot Press magazine, President Higgins identified his best sources of fashion as well as favoured restaurants and markets.
When it came to leading personalities, the President had no hesitation in naming the champion of the homeless, Br Kevin, as his “hero” of the city.
Br Kevin first established the day centre in 1974 to deal with the number of homeless on the streets of Dublin at that time. From two rooms in Bow Street, at the rear of the Capuchin’s friary, the day centre has grown not only to offer meals and food parcels to those in need, but a broad range of services, including medical, for thousands of people every year. With a minimum of government funding, Br Kevin has proven tireless in leading fundraising campaigns, with every cent raised turned towards helping the homeless.
Though he never seeks publicity for himself, such is Br Kevin’s profile arising from his work that the Capuchin Day Centre recorded no downturn in donations as the Rehab financial scandal affected the wider Irish charitable sector.