Declan Donnelly surrounded by loved ones at brother Father Dermott Donnelly’s funeral
Saturday Night Takeaway star Declan Donnelly has attended his brother’s funeral after he sadly lost his older sibling Father Dermott Donnelly earlier this month
Declan Donnelly has laid his brother to rest at his sibling Father Dermott Donnelly’s funeral on Friday July 29.
The Britain’s Got Talent star, 46, was surrounded by his loved ones and those close to his Catholic priest brother to bid him farewell following his death earlier this month.
Father Dermott, who had an extremely close bond with Declan, passed away age 55 following a serious illness on Friday July 8 after he was rushed to hospital.
Declan was supported by his wife Ali as his family and mourners attended the funeral, which was held inside St Mary’s Cathedral in his hometown of Newcastle, while photographers were invited outside the church.
The TV star wore a black suit, waist coat and tie along with a white shirt as he gathered outside the cathedral in Newcastle alongside loved ones.
A Requiem Mass, which was live-streamed on YouTube, was held for popular priest Father Dermott at the cathedral at 12pm.
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( PA)
Dec’s TV best friend Ant McPartlin was spotted arriving at the Newcastle cathedral ahead of the ceremony. He wore a black suit, white shirt and black tie while he was accompanied by his wife Anne-Marie.
A hearse carrying Father Donnelly’s coffin was photographed heading to St Mary’s Cathedral, followed by a procession of black cars.
The cathedral was packed with Dec’s sibling’s loved ones as they bid farewell to the beloved priest in a Catholic service.
Ant McPartlin and Anne-Marie were spotted ahead of the service
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( BACKGRID)
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( BACKGRID)
Meanwhile, those wishing to pay their respects to Father Dermott had been invited to use alternative spaces in person and virtually as it will be streamed online as well as being shown in nearby St Michael’s Church.
A statement from the family ahead of the service read: “Due to limited space in the Cathedral, we would encourage those who wish to participate in the Requiem Mass on Friday 29 July to gather at St Michael’s Church, Westmorland Road, where the Mass will be live-streamed and Holy Communion will be made available.
Those wishing to pay their respects to Father Dermott Donnelly have been invited to do so in St Michael’s Church or asked to watch the service online
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( PA)
“Following the Requiem Mass, Fr Dermott’s cortège will pass St Michael’s for those who wish to pay their respects.”
The night before, Declan and relatives carried his brother’s coffin inside St Michael’s Church, where Declan married Ali Astall in 2015, ahead of the service.
Declan, who’s brother Father Dermott officiated his wedding, was seen with his head bowed and looked deep in thought.
Declan Donnelly was seen carrying his brother’s coffin into St Michael’s the night before the service
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( Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)
He was supported by his wife Ali, who recently welcomed their second child, as he dressed in all black wearing a T-shirt and suit.
TV star Declan paid tribute to his brother following the sad news of his passing on Twitter.
He 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”.
Dec had an incredibly close bond with his brother Father Donnelly, who officiated his wedding to Ali Astall
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( Chronicle Live)
A spokesperson for Dec also told the Mirror: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly who died peacefully this afternoon in hospital surrounded by his family and close friends.”
Meanwhile, Dec’s TV star pal Anthony McPartlin paid his respects in a separate tweet.
It read: “Fr Dermott you were the kindest, wisest man I knew. Rest in peace my friend. You will never be forgotten.
“My thoughts, prayers and love are with your wonderful family. The world has lost a special man. X A”.
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