Fr Mcverry tells of his dismay at second gong
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CAMPAIGNER for the homeless Fr Peter Mcverry has described his second People Of The Year Award as a “sad reflection on our society”.
The activist, first recognised for his charity work more than a decade ago, admitted he thought long and hard before accepting the honour.
He told the Irish Mirror: “The sad thing is I’m actually getting it again. In my line of work my objective is to go out of business because the Government should be looking after homelessness.
“The reality is we have record numbers of homeless – far, far more than 10 years ago. It’s now almost 10,000 people.
“Giving me my second award for trying to help tackle this problem is a sad reflection on society and on how our society is a sad reflection on the Government.”
Fr Mcverry’s work in Dublin’s inner city began in 1974 and he opened a hostel for boys aged between 12 and 16 five years later.
In 1980 he founded the Arrupe Society in Ballymun, later renamed the Peter Mcverry Trust. Last year the charity helped more than 100 people out of homelessness.
The 73-year-old Jesuit priest said: “Relying on the private rented sector to solve the problem has been the cause of the problem.
“Every month the homeless figures come out we hit a new record. It’s like trying to empty the bath water with the taps still on.
“I never get disheartened but I get angry all the time. We are the 14th wealthiest country in the world, the fourth fastest growing in the EU yet we can’t give our citizens a roof over their heads.
“The Government giving people a sleeping bag and saying, ‘Find a doorway to sleep in’ is unacceptable.” HISTORIAN Catherine Corless, homeless advocate Fr Peter Mcverry and human rights campaigner Ifrah Ahmed were among those honoured at the People Of The Year Awards.
The ceremony, presented by Grainne Seoige and Aidan Power live on RTE last night, praised the courage, bravery, commitment and determination of Ireland’s unsung heroes.
Colette Byrne of Widow.ie, campaigner Vera Twomey, the Galway senior hurling team, rugby referee Joy Neville and the community of Ballaghaderreen were also celebrated at the event.
The Irish Coast Guard was honoured for bravery as were the crew of Rescue 116.
And the people of Erris were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the search for tragic Capt Catherine Corless Dara Fitzpatrick, Capt Mark Duffy and winch team Paul Ormsby and Ciaran Smith, who both remain lost at sea.
The winners were celebrated at a black-tie event in Dublin’s Mansion House organised by Rehab.
Now in its 43rd year, the gala was attended by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, jockey AP Mccoy and activist and wife of the President, Sabina Higgins. Picking up her award, Ms Corless called for a full exhumation of the bodies of all children buried at the former Tuam mother and baby home in Co Galway.
The remains of hundreds of tots were discovered last winter as a result of her research into the institution, run by the Sisters of Bon Secours. Presented with her gong by Human Rights Commissioner Emily Logan, Ms Corless was recognised for her passionate advocacy Ifrah Ahmed, Colette Byrne, Irish Coast Guard chief Chris Reynolds, Joy Neville, Catherine Corless, Harry and Molly Flynn, Fr Peter Mcverry, Galway hurler Cyril Donnellan, Ballaghaderreen’s James Gannon and Keith Swanick and John Gallagher from Erris
on behalf of survivors and their families and for her persistence and dedication, without which the scandal would never have been exposed.
She told those gathered: “We need to remove the remains of these innocent children – it is no place for them – and give them a respectful burial.
“It would be part of the healing process for all of the families involved. The only thing stopping a full exhumation is money and that is not good enough.”
Campaigner Ms Twomey urged the Government to put a framework in place for the prescribing of medicinal cannabis.
The Cork woman battled for two-and-a-half years to secure the drug for her daughter Ava Barry.
The eight-year-old has a rare condition called Dravet syndrome which causes severe seizures – sometimes up to 500 a month. Ms
Twomey said: “It is very hard
to watch other parents and families suffering.
“I know there are hundreds of people in Ireland who could potentially benefit from medicinal cannabis.
“The Government needs to consider and listen to the wealth of knowledge from professionals both in Ireland and across the world on this issue.” Collecting the Sports Person Of The Year Award, Ms Neville said all women should be able to reach their potential. The Limerick native, who played internationally as well as for Munster, was recently named 2017 World Rugby Referee.
The 34-year-old won 70 caps in the back row for Ireland and went on to captain her country.
She told guests: “My family, and particularly my wife Simona, have shown unconditional support throughout my entire career. I want to Ifrah Ahmed