"The bikes donated by An Post will certainly help us provide food parcels for up to 1,400 people," said Fr Seán Donohoe of the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin.

The one million euro will be used to help housing projects in Dublin, Limerick and Cork – but as homelessness crisis worsens, this is but a drop in the ocean.

“Homeless families will end up having to sleep in Garda stations and hospital emergency departments for Christmas,” Jesuit warns.

Priest and rugby star are made Freemen of Dublin.

Recognition for social justice campaigner's long commitment to those on the margins.