Fr Peter McVerry has been awarded the France-Ireland Human Rights Award for fighting homelessness and poverty in Ireland.
Fr McVerry (left), who received his award from French ambassador Jean-Pierre Thébault, has worked with young homeless people in Dublin for over 40 years. He founded the Peter McVerry Trust in 1983 to tackle homelessness, drugs and social disadvantage.
It is the third annual award given by the French embassy in Ireland. Previous winners are Colm O'Gorman from Amnesty International and Fergus Finlay from Barnardos.
Maxence Salendre, of the French embassy, said the award recognises the work of those who fight for social and human rights. “Peter and the trust have been chosen because of their action to help . . . people who are suffering,” he said.
Chief executive of the trust Pat Doyle said the charity is delighted for Fr McVerry "who has given his whole life for social justice. It's also an award in recognition of homeless people."
It coincides with the refurbishment of six apartments on Pim Street in the city, funded by French insulation company Saint-Gobain.