Presenter Declan Donnelly has said he is “heartbroken” following the death of his brother, Father Dermott Donnelly, at the age of 55.
On Friday, the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle announced the news that the Catholic priest had died peacefully in hospital that afternoon following a short illness.
Sharing the sad news on Twitter, TV star Declan who is known to present popular TV shows alongside co-star Ant McPartlin, wrote: “I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr Dermott, @TweeterPriest, sadly passed away this afternoon.
“We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated DD.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Fans also paid their condolences under Dec’s tweet with one person writing: “Very sorry about your loss. My Cousin used to be Alter boy for him when he was diocese of Newcastle until he left. He’s devestasted over the news. Condolences to you Decand your family and friends and everyone that knew him.”
In 2015, Fr Dermott officiated his brother’s wedding to wife Ali Astall in Newcastle in a lavish ceremony.
Following his untimely death, a statement from Hexham and Newcastle diocese said: “It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly, who died peacefully this afternoon in hospital.
“This has come as a great shock to all of us.
“Please pray for the repose of his soul and keep his family, especially his mother, in your prayers at this difficult time.”
Robert Byrne who is the Hexham and Newcastle Bishop said he will be “greatly missed in the diocese for his sterling work with youth on both a diocesan and national level”.
(Image: PA)
He added: “He was a good and faithful priest.”
In addition to this, Stanley, Dipton & Byermoor Catholic Parishes also shared the news and asked for parishioners to “pray for the repose of his soul”.
The group also announced on Thursday that Fr Dermott was “extremely unwell” in hospital and had requested prayers for him during his sickness.
A similar message was posted on the Facebook page of Pontop Partnership – which is a group of 10 Catholic parishes in the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.
Following the news of his death, those who had known him and worked alongside him shared an outpouring of fond tributes on social media.
It is understood that Fr Dermott had been a priest for 30 years.
In 2014, he featured on BBC’s Sunday show Songs Of Praise alongside CBBC’s Hacker T Dog to answer questions about the church that CBBC viewers had sent in.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
