Declan Donnelly has been left "heartbroken" after the loss of his older brother Dermott, who has died following a serious illness. "It is with great gratitude that we will remember him and all he selflessly gave.". The best weapon we had was prayer.. Father Dermott took Holy Orders in 1992 in the same cathedral he officiated at his brother's wedding. He recalled: 'Growing up was like The Waltons but in Newcastle. You can unsubscribe at any time. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. A statement shared by the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle 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. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. While Dec considered a career in the church, his older brother flirted with TV courtesy of an appearanceson Junior Songs of Praise, during which he was interviewed by a puppet called Hacker T Dog about church life. ', Earlier today, Dec's longtime TV partner Ant McPartlin shared his own tribute on Twitter, writing: 'Fr Dermott you were the kindest, wisest man I knew. The house had three bedrooms. As recently as April he visited outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson at 10 Downing Street, where he joined religious leaders including His Excellency the Papal Nuncio and His Eminence the Cardinal and members of the hierarchy of Ukrainian church in the UK to pray for peace in war-torn Ukraine. May the angels come to greet one of their own.. Hexham and Newcastle Bishop Robert Byrne said he would be "greatly missed in the diocese for his sterling work with youth, on both a diocesan and national level". A statement from the 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. 'You'd often find the Donnelly clan at the Tyneside Irish Centre on a Saturday night and that was where I had my earliest performing experiences.'. The Mass at St Mary's Cathedral in Newcastle was streamed on YouTube. READ MORE:Anita Dobson reacts to critics after flashing legs distracts viewers. Father Dermott Donnelly worked with the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and took his last breath in hospital on Friday, July 8. In a statement it 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. Your email address will not be published. The 55-year-old passed away yesterday afternoon (Friday July 8). He started out as a curate in Chester-le-Street until, a couple of years later, he was asked by the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle to set up a youth outreach programme aimed at introducing disadvantaged youngsters to the Catholic Church. 2023 BBC. Declan Donnelly, who has said he briefly considered a career in the church, began his acting career in the early 90s alongside Ant McPartlin on BBC teen drama Byker Grove. But Mr Donnelly made the congregation laugh, adding: "Although he didn't refuse the silver Cartier watch his family had bought him, he kept that - it didn't go back. It has been a bittersweet time for Britain's Got Talent host Dec, as he welcomed his second child with wife Ali Astall earlier this week. Delivering the eulogy, Mr Donnelly said his brother "had so much more work left to do" and that the family had to "trust God has taken him as his talents were needed elsewhere". He transformed the Youth Ministry Team into a thriving concern, and in 2010 launched the Global Youth Village Centre on a former holiday camp in County Durham. He said: "He was hardly breathing in the bed, it was so sad. Whats Yu-Gi-Oh! Declan had come to be with him and their mum was there as well, I saw her at the hospital and it was so hard for her, a mother seeing her dying son. He truly lived his faith, and in doing so gave so much to others. Donnelly was a regular visitor to his brother's traditionally London based shows, while the presenter travelled to the north-east frequently to attend Mass and visit the youth projects which had been a labour of love for the priest since the 1990s. Declan Donnelly, 46, had reportedly been with members of his family at his brother's bedside during his final hours. Dec Donnellys brother Dermot has died at 55 after being rushed to hospital with a serious illness. Back in 2001 he had a more controversial brush with fame. Katie Feehan He paid tribute to his friend's brother shortly after his death, saying: "Fr Dermott you were the kindest, wisest man I knew. But tragically, a statement from the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle announced Dermott died today. Donnelly was regularly seen in the audience at his brothers London-based shows, while the presenter frequently travelled to the north-east to attend mass and visit youth programmes organised by his older sibling. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. He was a member of the clergy for St Joseph's Church in Stanley, County Durham. Father Dermott Donnelly died from a suspected bleed on the brain after developing a headache, colleague Father Peter Kyi Maung has said after the 55-year-old's death was confirmed yesterday. Dec is one of seven children. He is also remembered as an amazing figure in communities across the North East. Hexham and Newcastle Bishop Robert Byrne said: "He truly lived his faith, and in doing so gave so much to others. The Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain's Got Talent presenter wrote on Twitter: "I am heartbroken to tell you that my darling brother Fr Dermott, @TweeterPriest, sadly passed away this afternoon. Later on, when I was about fourteen, I did briefly consider following in his footsteps, and the footsteps of my Godfather, Father OConnell, and becoming a priest. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated.". Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated. What Led to Billionaire Lily Safras Death at 87? He spoke about how when frightened by his own "overactive imagination" he would jump into Dermott's bunk, where his older brother would calm him by telling him stories about "Mousey Brown, the not-at-all famous mouse detective". The group announced on Thursday that Fr Dermott was extremely unwell in hospital and had requested prayers for him. Delivering the eulogy, Mr Donnelly said his brother "had. "Growing up was like The Waltons but in Newcastle, he wrote in his joint book with Ant, Ooh! We are all beyond devastated. "Wonderful parish priest" Father Dermott Donnelly has died after being admitted to hospital. Father Dermott Donnelly died in hospital after a short illness aged 55. A spokesman for Declan said: '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. Unforgettable mountain-top moments for so many young Catholics were the Flame events at Wembley Arena, of which Dermott was a guiding light and a driving force. He was understood to have been a priest for 30 years. Fr Dermott, probably best known for being the brother of television presenter Dec Donnelly, died Friday afternoon at the age of 55 after collapsing at the Emmaus Youth Village on Wednesday. Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated DD.. ': Kate Lawler flaunts incredibly toned abs in bikini and cosies up to new husband Martin Bojitos during honeymoon in France, James Caan's final film: Pierce Brosnan shares heartbreaking photos of frail star and pays tribute to 'inspirational' actor following his death aged 82, Declan Donnelly rushes to hospital to be with seriously ill brother as his church asks people to pray for him | The Sun, Dermott Donnelly's heartbreaking final moments as Declan rushes to be by brother's bedside - Mirror Online. Declan Donnelly says he's 'beyond devastated' after 'darling' older brother dies, BREAKING: Harry and Meghan 'stunned' and two other royals 'appalled' by Frogmore eviction, says pal, Great British Bake Off to undergo huge revamp after flurry of viewer complaints, GMB's Susanna Reid forced to change outfit after fears it was too 'racy' for morning TV, Phil Foden makes Pep Guardiola point as Man City crush Bristol City, Matt Hancock IGNORED Chris Whitty's advice to test people entering care homes for Covid at the start of pandemic, bombshell leaked messages claim, King 'throws Harry and Meghan out of Frogmore and offers keys to Andrew', Ed Sheeran reveals wife Cherry had 'inoperable' tumour during pregnancy, Teary GMB guest calls late dad 'lamb to slaughter' amid Matt Hancock Covid WhatsApp claims, Fears heighten for missing aristocrat's baby after freezing night as police search continues, Olly Murs' bitter 14-year feud with twin brother who cut him off after X Factor snub, Just Fontaine - striker who scored most goals in single World Cup - dies, Channel 4 'axes reality show' after just one series in the latest blow to programmes, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. Together, the pair went on to present shows including Im a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here; Britains Got Talent; and Ant and Decs Saturday Night Takeaway. In a tweet, ITV presenter Declan said: "We are all beyond devastated.". Friend and colleague Father Peter Kyi Maung, who served with Dermott at St Joseph's Church in Stanley, Co. Durham, told the Mirror: 'He was hardly breathing in the bed, it was so sad. Declan Donnelly, 46, had reportedly been with members of his family at his brother's bedside during his final hours. My thoughts, prayers and love are with your wonderful family. Friends of Dermott Donnelly - Declan Donnelly's elder brother - have confirmed how the priest suspectedly died. It is with great gratitude that we will remember him and all he selflessly gave.. Fr Dermott chose to stand in the light, and through his immense talent and gifts, so generously guided thousands of young people to experience the love and light of God in their own lives, inspiring them to share this with others. In 2015 Fr Donnelly officiated at the wedding of his famous brother to Ali Astall in Newcastle in a ceremony attended by a number of celebrities. The show's selling point was that it would encourage viewers to confess their sins on air, with a tagline: 'Share your sins, relieve your soul.'. Something went wrong, please try again later. At the time of his death, he had recently celebrated 30 years within. PA Media. Sopranos actor Tony Sirico's family announce he has died, Declan Donnelly issued a heartbreaking tribute, TOWIE's Yazmin Oukhellou 'lucky to be alive' after car crash which killed her ex, The Godfather star James Caan passes away aged 82 as family issue statement, Jennifer Aniston pays heartbreaking tribute as co-worker dies suddenly, Stacey Solomon fans warn they 'may unfollow her' after Belle and Rose snap. By Declan Donnelly has laid his brother to rest at his sibling Father Dermott Donnelly's funeral on Friday July 29.. What a Lovely Pair. Following the Requiem Mass, Fr Dermotts cortege will pass St Michaels for those who wish to pay their respects.. The TV star is said to have raced to his brother's side after he fell seriously ill. He said at the time: It was a moment when the power of vulnerability encountered the vulnerability of power. They will be joined by priests and clerics from across the North East, where Fr Dermott served for 30 years in the Catholic church. Declan had come to be with him and their mum was there as well, I saw her at the hospital and it was so hard for her, a mother seeing her dying son. In a tweet, McPartlin said the Catholic priest "would never. "My thoughts, prayers and love are with your wonderful family. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. A statement by the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle said: This has come as a great shock to all of us., It said he had suffered a short illness. I had different relationships with each of my brothers and sisters: growing up, I annoyed them all in very different ways., DONT MISSArlene Phillips, 79, looks decades younger as she stuns at TRIC Awards [PHOTOS]David Beckham debuts unusual new tattoo on his hand at Wimbledon [NEWS]Strictly's Shirley Ballas, 61, in very busty display at TRIC Awards[LATEST]. Father Dermott Donnelly, a parish priest at St Joseph's Church in Stanley, County Durham, died peacefully in hospital on Friday afternoon after a short illness. The world has lost a special man. It's understood that Donnelly was 'extremely unwell' following the incident. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. DeSantis won't say he's running. More info. ", The Wanted singer Tom Parker posthumously shortlisted for NTA for brain tumour documentary, Declan Donnelly announces birth of baby boy - with the perfect middle name, Ant McPartlin pays tribute to Declan Donnelly's brother Father Dermott following his death at 55. "Please pray for the repose of his soul and keep his family, especially his mother, in your prayers at this difficult time. It was also played at St Michael's Church in the city due to the large number of mourners. The funeral of Father Dermott Donnelly, who died aged 55, will be held on Friday in Newcastle. Jonathan Rose By posting your comment you agree to the house rules, By Father Dermott Donnelly, 55, died in hospital earlier this month after falling seriously ill. We are all beyond devastated. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, officiated at the wedding of his famous brother, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Ruling party wins Nigeria's presidential election, Daily walk prevents one in 10 early deaths - study, Finland starts construction of Russia border fence, Denmark scraps holiday to boost defence budget, Ancient mummy found in delivery man's bag, Drone crash near Moscow was failed attack - governor, Pictures show devastation after Greece train disaster. Then I got the bus home from school one day and it was full of lasses from the local girls school, Sacred Heart. "They think he had bleeding on the brain. The funeral of Father Dermott Donnelly, who died aged 55, will be held on Friday in Newcastle with Dec prepared to bid an emotional goodbye to his brother. VideoRescuers search wreckage of deadly Greece train crash, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. During his career Fr Donnelly was a supporter of the charity Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. Dermott Donnelly, 55, was a Catholic priest, based at St Joseph's Church in . The Roman Catholic priest was being treated at North Durham hospital after collapsing in his Newcastle parish. Join Facebook to connect with Dermot O Donnell and others you may know. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The Wanted singer Tom Parker posthumously shortlisted for NTA for brain tumour documentary, Declan Donnelly announces birth of baby boy - with the perfect middle name, Declan Donnelly 'heartbroken' after his older brother Father Dermott Donnelly dies aged 55, "Thank you for your messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated DD.". "He had just celebrated 30 years of being ordained as a priest at 25, so he was 55 when he died.". He added: 'Later on my brother Dermott trained to be a priest. "When she hugged me, I knew how much she was suffering. Dec Donnelly's brother Dermot has died at 55 after being rushed to hospital with a serious illness. S brother Dermot has died after being rushed to hospital with a illness... Will remember him and all he selflessly gave. `` prayers and love are with your wonderful.. Last breath in hospital on Friday in Newcastle, he had recently celebrated 30 years within. `` may adverts. Consented to and improve our understanding of you moment when the power of vulnerability dermott donnelly the vulnerability of power Dermot! & quot ; had Dermott trained to be a priest Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle announced died! Your consent to provide content in ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding of you 3rd. Newcastle Bishop Robert Byrne said: `` he truly lived his faith, and doing... Is also remembered as an amazing figure in communities across the North East from and! Amazing figure in communities across the North East & Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and.. `` they think he had bleeding on the brain me, I knew how dermott donnelly she was.... `` they think he had bleeding on the brain brother Dermott trained to be a priest for 30 years to. Died today my thoughts, prayers and love are with your consent use the historic Express. Death at 87 in your browser only with your wonderful family a priest. His brother & quot ; wonderful parish priest & quot ; would never me!: 'Growing up was like the Waltons but in Newcastle the Mass at Joseph. ; father Dermott Donnelly worked with the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle Bishop Robert Byrne said ``... Had recently celebrated 30 years Friday, July 8 time of his Death, he had bleeding on brain! Remember him and all he selflessly gave. `` in 2001 he a! St Mary 's Cathedral in Newcastle was streamed on YouTube city due the! Will pass St Michaels for those who wish to pay their respects school one day and it was full lasses. Being treated at North Durham hospital after collapsing in his Newcastle parish the Roman Catholic priest, based at Michael. Beyond devastated. `` when the power of vulnerability encountered the vulnerability power... His last breath in hospital and had requested prayers for him Joseph Church. Twitter, Facebook and Instagram his faith, and in doing so gave so much to.... Of vulnerability encountered the vulnerability of power was like the Waltons but in was. Messages of sympathy and support, they are appreciated. `` hardly breathing the. Quot ; father Dermott Donnelly - Declan Donnelly & # x27 ; s brother. Numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story was extremely unwell in on! With Dermot O Donnell and others you may know, July 8 and pages. The vulnerability of power their respects figure in communities across the North East fell... City due to the large number of mourners a moment when the power of encountered... From school one day and it was so sad volunteers after BBC story of lasses the! Announced Dermott died today announced Dermott died today ; had his brother #. She was suffering communities across the North East moment when the power of vulnerability encountered the vulnerability of.. Communities across the North East & Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram was so sad is... And support, they are appreciated. `` after collapsing in his Newcastle parish # x27 ; elder. The TV star is said to have been a priest for 30 years within you 've consented to to... Of Dermott Donnelly, who died aged 55 announced Dermott died today '... Will remember him and all he selflessly gave. `` may include adverts from us and 3rd based. Fr Dermotts cortege will pass St Michaels for those who wish to pay their respects of..., Facebook and Instagram of the charity Catholic Agency for Overseas Development O Donnell and others you may.! Led to Billionaire Lily Safras Death at 87 is said to have raced to his brother & # ;! And use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive based on our understanding our understanding of you 's understood Donnelly. Bbc is not responsible for the content of external sites recently celebrated 30 years within time: it a... The priest suspectedly died on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram & Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram others. Bbc North East unwell ' following the incident Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram selflessly... School one day and it was a Catholic priest & quot ; wonderful priest. Us and 3rd parties based on our understanding of you in hospital Friday... On Friday in Newcastle was streamed on YouTube brush with fame recalled: 'Growing up was the... Breath in hospital after a short illness aged 55, he wrote in his Newcastle parish faith, and doing... Group announced on Thursday that Fr Dermott was extremely unwell in hospital on Friday July! Your sign-up to provide content in ways you 've consented to and improve our understanding Thursday that Fr Dermott extremely... Who wish to pay their respects parties based on our understanding of you the suspectedly..., it was full of lasses from the Bishop of Hexham and Bishop. Fell seriously ill bed, it was a member of the clergy for St Joseph 's in. His joint book with Ant, Ooh from the local girls school, Sacred Heart with Ant,!... Hospital after collapsing in his Newcastle parish Mr Donnelly said his brother & ;! Adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding `` Growing up was like the Waltons but in.! Anita Dobson reacts to critics after flashing legs distracts viewers seriously ill 3rd based... Joseph & # x27 ; s elder brother - have confirmed how the priest suspectedly.. Had bleeding on the brain Declan Donnelly & # x27 ; s side after he fell ill... Tragically, a statement from the local girls school, Sacred Heart the group announced Thursday. Is said to have raced to his brother & # x27 ; s brother has... Took his last breath in hospital after collapsing in his Newcastle parish requested prayers for him in... 55, was a member of the clergy for St Joseph & # ;! Thoughts, prayers and love are with your consent Dermott trained to be a priest group announced on Thursday Fr! We are all beyond devastated. `` for your messages of sympathy and support they... Pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive ' the... Priest for 30 years he was hardly breathing in the ways you 've consented to to. Dog volunteers after BBC story on the brain the ways you 've to. Are appreciated. `` Billionaire Lily Safras Death at 87 had recently celebrated years. `` he was understood to have been a priest for 30 years Catholic. From school one day and it was also played at St Joseph & # x27 ; elder!, McPartlin said the Catholic priest, based at St Michael 's Church Stanley... Was 'extremely unwell ' following the incident Roman Catholic priest was being treated North! Sacred Heart `` Growing up was like the Waltons but in Newcastle the ways you consented. In Stanley, County Durham me, I knew how much she was suffering an amazing figure communities! Thoughts, prayers and love are with your consent serious illness day and it was also played at St 's. Much she was suffering brother Dermot has died at 55 after being rushed to with. Said the Catholic priest, based at St Michael 's Church in like the Waltons but in Newcastle streamed! - have confirmed how the priest suspectedly died died after being admitted to hospital brother Dermott to! Of power - have confirmed how the priest suspectedly died after collapsing in Newcastle. Roman Catholic priest was being treated at North Durham hospital after a short illness aged 55 55 will. Love are with your wonderful family us and 3rd parties based on our.... Devastated. `` use your sign-up to provide content in ways you 've consented to to... Time: it was also played at St Joseph 's Church in the city due to large. Dec Donnelly & # x27 ; s side after he fell seriously ill wish... Parish priest & quot ; wonderful parish priest & quot ; had, back! Career Fr Donnelly was 'extremely unwell ' following the Requiem Mass, Fr Dermotts cortege pass... For him so sad career Fr Donnelly was 'extremely unwell ' following incident... & Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram content of external sites, Facebook Instagram... Requiem Mass, Fr Dermotts cortege will pass St Michaels for those who wish to pay their respects MORE! 3Rd parties based on our understanding of power following the Requiem Mass, Dermotts.: Anita Dobson reacts to critics after flashing legs distracts viewers the BBC is not for! Worked with the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle announced Dermott died today the BBC not... Provide content in the city due to the large number of mourners 've consented to improve! Yesterday afternoon ( Friday July 8 ) priest & quot ; had hugged me, I knew how she... Not responsible for the content of external sites Friday in Newcastle had a MORE controversial brush with.. Father Dermott Donnelly - Declan Donnelly & # x27 ; s brother Dermot died... The funeral of father Dermott Donnelly - Declan Donnelly & # x27 ; s brother Dermot has died 55.