TRÓCAIRE FOUNDER Brian McKeown, whose death was announced yesterday, was praised for his “extraordinary vision and courage”.
Mr McKeown (70) died in Dublin’s Blackrock Clinic on Thursday following a long illness. He is survived by his wife, four children and grandchildren.
In 1973 he founded Trócaire and was its director for 20 years. In a statement yesterday, Trócaire’s current director, Justin Kilcullen, credited him with providing the inspiration and leadership which established the agency as a radical voice on poverty and social injustice. “Brian shaped the new organisation as one based on the principles of justice and social action. His thinking on the causes and response to global poverty and injustice was radical and profound at the time and still remains inspirational and relevant today.”
He said “the new organisation and particularly its approach came as a surprise to many in both the church and the world of politics. However, with the support of the Bishops’ Conference and Trócaire’s chairman, Bishop Eamon Casey, Brian McKeown withstood the criticisms of Trócaire’s approach which were made at that time.”
The success of the agency and the role it forged, which “challenges thinking and approaches to the problems of world poverty,” was a testament to the courage and steadfast vision possessed by Mr McKeown, he said. The founder’s vision would continue to guide Trócaire in its work, he said.
Mr McKeown’s removal will take place to St Anne’s Church, Shankill, on Monday next at 5.30pm. The funeral Mass will be at 10am on Tuesday, followed by burial in Shanganagh cemetery.