Priest will talk about homeless work in Dublin

Priest will talk about homeless work in Dublin

24 September 2025

FOR more than 40 years, Newry-born priest Fr Peter McVerry has dedicated his life to helping some of the Republic of Ireland’s poorest people – Dublin’s homeless.

He has given shelter to thousands of destitute Dubliners and provided hundreds of them with the keys to permanent’ homes.

But his own start in life was very different to most of those who seek his help.

So, how did a privately-educated doctor’s son become one of the Republic of Ireland’s most prominent social justice campaigners?

Author and journalist Martin O’Brien will be In Conversation with Father McVerry at the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick on October 23, continuing an autumn series of talks which include Baroness Sue Gray and UUP leader Mike Nesbitt. 

“As the centre approaches its 25th anniversary we are keen to continue our work as a vehicle of reconciliation and common ground,” St Patrick Centre director Dr Tim Campbell said.

“We want to create a forum for people from all faiths and traditions to come together and learn from 

each other – something very much in the spirit of St Patrick himself, who was trafficked as a slave, a migrant and homeless in his early years here.”

Tickets for the event are £10 and are available on 028 4461 9000.