The funeral of the founder of the Capuchin Day Centre has taken place in Dublin.
Brother Kevin Crowley, originally from West Cork, passed away earlier this week at the age of 90.
He was widely known for his work with people experiencing homelessness.
He founded the day centre on Bow Street in Dublin in 1969 in response to seeing homeless men eating from rubbish bins.
President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina, were among those in attendance, while Commandant Joe Glennon, Aide-de-Camp to the Taoiseach, represented Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Brother Patrick Flynn spoke of Brother Kevin's lifelong dedication to helping those less fortunate:
"Most people throughout the country did not even know his family name, Crowley, but they knew of Brother Kevin. He was known the length and breadth of the country for his outreach to the poor, the homeless and the marginalised. He was a tireless advocate for those with no voice."
He also said Brother Kevin didn’t care if he upset those in power:
"Kevin had a mission in life: feed and house the poor. He couldn't understand why, in our country, we couldn't solve this problem. You see, he was the kind of man that didn't see problems. He only saw challenges. His attitude or motto was 'do it, damn it'. He was never afraid to speak his mind. And he didn't worry if he upset people in government or anybody else."
Father Kevin Kiernan, Capuchin Director, wrote on the centre's website:
"We are grateful for Brother Kevin’s vision and dedication over so many years and are committed, with the Capuchin Friars, to realising the mission of the Centre today and in the years to come.
May Brother Kevin rest in peace."
