Credit: Capuchin Day Centre

Br Kevin founded the centre in 1969 and for decades oversaw its development into a backbone of support for homeless people in Dublin, before retiring to his native Cork in 2022.

President Michael D. Higgins yesterday praised his “invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city”, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin hailed him as “a tireless and passionate advocate for justice, dedicating his life to helping those in need”.

In a statement, Father Kevin Kiernan said: “Brother Kevin was enormously grateful that the contribution of the Capuchin Day Centre was recognised by a visit from His Holiness Pope Francis in August 2018.

“He was also grateful for the award of the Freedom of the City of Dublin awarded to him in 2015.

“He saw both of these honours as a recognition of the dignity of the people who come to the centre on an ongoing basis.”

Lawyers Against Homelessness, which has raised over €500,000 in support of the centre’s work since 2017, also paid tribute to its founder.

A spokesperson told Irish Legal News: “Brother Kevin dedicated his life to the poor and disadvantaged and did so in a remarkably humble and quiet way which was a testament to his Order and to his faith.

“We were grateful to play a very small part in his work.

“He was always present at the CPD events in the centre and was delighted to see the legal community develop a relationship with its local charity.”

They added: “To date, Lawyers Against Homelessness has raised over €500,000 over 15 events.

“Our next event takes place on 17th July 2025 and Brother Kevin will be fondly remembered by those present.”

For more information about the upcoming CPD event, click here.