Honors paid to Brother Kevin Crowley, the deceased founder of the Capuchin centre, by the President
Brother Kevin Crowley, a tireless advocate for justice and a true legend, has left an indelible mark on Dublin's homeless community. For over five decades, he dedicated his life to serving the poor and marginalised, transforming the lives of countless individuals through his selfless service.
In 1969, Brother Kevin founded the Capuchin Day Centre on Bow Street, Dublin. This vital resource quickly became a beacon of hope for the city's homeless population, providing hot meals, food parcels, clothing, and day care facilities. Over the years, the centre grew to serve around 800 people daily, reflecting the magnitude of Brother Kevin's impact.
Decades of selfless service earned Brother Kevin widespread respect and gratitude. He was recognised as a "Brother to the poor," dedicating his life to the ministry of serving those in need in Dublin's north inner city. Notable figures such as President Michael D Higgins, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, and Archbishop Farrell all paid tribute to his work, describing him as a warm, caring, yet fearless man who dedicated his life to helping those in need.
In 2018, a significant milestone was reached when Pope Francis visited the Capuchin Day Centre during his visit to Ireland. Brother Kevin personally welcomed the Pope, underlining the centre's importance and his global recognition. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald described Brother Kevin as a true legend and a champion of the poor.
Brother Kevin retired from active service at the Capuchin Day Centre in August 2022, after more than 50 years of dedication. He passed away in 2025 at the age of 90 in Mount Desert Nursing Home in Cork. His legacy remains embedded in the ongoing work of the Capuchin Day Centre, continuing to provide essential support to Dublin’s homeless community.
In summary, Brother Kevin's impact was transformational in addressing homelessness in Dublin. His compassion, devotion, and non-judgmental approach to helping the marginalised was unwavering. Here is a timeline and summary of his key achievements:
- **1969:** Founded Capuchin Day Centre on Bow Street, Dublin - **1969-2018+:** Provided continuous care and services to Dublin’s homeless - **2018:** Hosted Pope Francis during his visit to the Centre - **2022:** Retired after decades of service - **2025:** Passed away, leaving a lasting legacy
Brother Kevin's work earned widespread respect and gratitude, including public acknowledgments from the President of Ireland, who noted his "invaluable contribution" to the people of Dublin through his "support and respect for those most in need." A book of condolence for Brother Kevin will be opened tomorrow until Friday at the Mansion House.
The Capuchin Day Centre continues to provide hot meals, food parcels, clothing, and day care facilities for homeless individuals, ensuring Brother Kevin's legacy lives on. His compassion, devotion, and unwavering commitment to helping the marginalised will continue to inspire generations to come.
In the spirit of Brother Kevin's extensive service, the Capuchin Day Centre expanded its focus beyond food and shelter, addressing health-and-wellness by providing mental health support, fitness-and-exercise programs, and nutrition education to its patrons. In the realm of science, these holistic approaches to health were groundbreaking in addressing the complex needs of Dublin's homeless population.
