A Tribute to the Late Larry Masterson
A Tribute to the Late Larry Masterson
In a world where selflessness always takes a backseat to personal ambitions, there are individuals whose life’s work represents the essence of compassion and altruism. Today, we pay tribute to one such person, Larry Masterson, one of Dublin Simon Community’s founding volunteers, who is being laid to rest following his death earlier this week.
Larry’s impact over the years on the lives of people experiencing homelessness has been enormous. His journey from humble beginnings to creating an enduring impression on society serves as an inspiration to us all.
Inspired by Anton Wallich Clifford, the founder of the Simon Community in London, Larry embarked on his extraordinary journey as a 19-year-old back in February 1969. Recognising a visible cohort of homeless people on the streets of Dublin, stretching from Merrion Square to Smithfield, Larry, became the natural leader and along with a small number of students from UCD and Trinity College packed up their flasks of soup and sandwiches and set out on the streets of Dublin to provide food and support to people experiencing homelessness.
Driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference, the volunteers set up a base shortly thereafter in a house owned by the Franciscans on Winetavern Street. They later moved onto Sarsfield Quay by the Liffey, which marked the beginning of the Dublin Simon Community and the presence of the Simon Community in Ireland.
Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, offers a heartfelt tribute to his remarkable legacy, ‘’It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of the kindest soul, Larry Masterson. His role in the founding of Dublin Simon Community, and his lifelong interest in the organisation, is a testament to his inspirational conviction of care for others. He leaves behind an immense legacy of positive change.’’
His legacy is not just in the tangible services his organisation provided, but in the hearts and lives he touched along the way. Today, many adults and families that have been supported by Dublin Simon Community offer their appreciation to Larry and those volunteers. Little did they know that their acts of generosity would continue to thrive through a charity that supports those experiencing homelessness, providing temporary accommodation and treatment services.
The Simon Community was named after Simon of Cyrene, a figure from the New Testament who helped Jesus carry his cross. The “Simon” ethos was to be non-judgemental, to accept people as we found them and offer unconditional help – a community in it for each other. Over the last 55 years, Dublin Simon has offered a different kind of service for those experiencing homelessness, demonstrating a more caring side to society. Dublin Simon is a community, offering a radical alternative to institutional care.
Larry and his peers set in train a chain of activity that has had a profound impact on many thousands of lives over 55 years. He also had a very profound impact on Irish society and culture through his long period as Producer in RTE. His legacy will live on for a very long time.
Our sympathies to his Wife Hazel and two daughters Kerri and Tara.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.