Dec says farewell: TV presenter carries brother Dermott Donnelly’s coffin as Mass is held for Roman Catholic priest ahead of his burial in Newcastle – a month after his sudden death aged 55
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Declan Donnelly served as pallbearer on Thursday evening as Mass was held ahead of his older brother Dermott’s funeral in Newcastle.
The popular TV personality joined friends a family for the Catholic service at the city’s St. Michael’s Church prior to his burial service in the north east on Friday morning.
Dermott Donnelly, a respected man Catholic priest, died from a suspected bleed on the brain on July 8 after being treated at North Durham hospital following a collapse at his Newcastle parish.
Saturday Night Takeaway and Britain’s Got Talent presenter Dec, 46, later confirmed the news on social media, writing: ‘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.’
Declan Donnelly served as pallbearer on Thursday evening as Mass was held ahead of his older brother Dermott’s funeral in Newcastle
The diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, where Dermot served at St. Jospeh’s Church in County Durham, had previously confirmed the news that Father Dermott Donnelly died peacefully in hospital.
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.
‘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.’
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.
‘We ask for the utmost privacy for the Donnelly family at this difficult time.’
More to follow…
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