Father Dermott Donnelly, a Catholic priest and brother of Declan Donnelly, died in hospital on Friday after a short illness. TV star McPartlin, 46, tweeted: “P. Dermot you were the kindest, wisest man I have ever met. 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 person. X A.” The Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle announced the news of Donnelly’s death on Friday afternoon, with Declan, 46, paying tribute to his brother shortly afterwards. He tweeted: “It breaks my heart to tell you that my beloved brother Fr Dermott @TweeterPriest sadly passed away this afternoon. “We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of support and support, we appreciate them DD.” Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly started their careers in the early 90s in the BBC teen drama Byker Grove. Photo: Matt Crossick/PA In 2015, Donnelly officiated at his brother’s wedding to Ali Astall in Newcastle. A statement from 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. “This was a big 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.” Donnelly recently celebrated his 30th anniversary of service to his parish and community, where he was best known for his work with young people and youth ministry. Subscribe to First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am. BST He was a member of the clergy for St. Joseph’s Church in Stanley, County Durham. The Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, Robert Byrne, said: “He will be greatly missed for his energy, enthusiasm and ability to engage with everyone who met him.” He added: “This is especially true in his work with young people and in his youth ministry in the diocese, bringing many disadvantaged and discouraged young people to Christ. “He truly lived his faith and in doing so gave so much to others. With great gratitude we will remember him and everything he selflessly gave.” During his career, Donnelly was a charity supporter of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (Cafod), the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Subscribe to First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am. BST Cafod’s head of education, Monica Conmee, paid tribute to Donnelly on behalf of the charity, saying: “We are extremely privileged to have worked closely with Fr Dermott in enabling the voices of the poor and most vulnerable to be heard.” In 2014, Donnelly appeared on Songs of Praise alongside CBBC’s Hacker T Dog to answer questions about the church sent in by CBBC viewers. Declan Donnelly, who said he briefly considered a career in the church, began his acting career in the early 90s alongside McPartlin in the BBC teen drama Byker Grove. Together the pair went on to present series such as I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. Does Britain have talent? and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway
