Father Dermott Donnelly was priest at St Joseph’s Church in Stanley, County Durham and had been a member of the clergy for 30 years.
The 55-year-old is said to have died of a “mysterious illness” in hospital on Friday after collapsing in church.
Father Donnelly was the older brother of Declan Donnelly, who rose to fame in the CBBC program Byker Grove with co-star Anthony McPartlin.
The pair went on to form a duo, hosting shows such as SMTV: Live, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and I’m a Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here.
Declan tweeted on Friday night: “It is with a broken heart that I tell you that my beloved brother Fr Dermott, @TweeterPriest, has sadly passed away this afternoon.
“We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of support and support, we appreciate them DD.”
In a Facebook message, the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle said the news of Father Donnelly’s death was a “great shock”.
The Rt Rev Robert Byrne said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly, who died peacefully on Friday afternoon in hospital.
“This was a big shock to all of us.
“Please pray for the repose of his soul and keep his family in your prayers at this difficult time.”
title: “Father Dermott Donnelly Brother Of Ant And Dec S Declan Donnelly Dies After Collapsing In Church " ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-10” author: “Patricia Riggs”
Father Dermott Donnelly was priest at St Joseph’s Church in Stanley, County Durham and had been a member of the clergy for 30 years.
The 55-year-old is said to have died of a “mysterious illness” in hospital on Friday after collapsing in church.
Father Donnelly was the older brother of Declan Donnelly, who rose to fame in the CBBC program Byker Grove with co-star Anthony McPartlin.
The pair went on to form a duo, hosting shows such as SMTV: Live, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and I’m a Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here.
Declan tweeted on Friday night: “It is with a broken heart that I tell you that my beloved brother Fr Dermott, @TweeterPriest, has sadly passed away this afternoon.
“We are all beyond devastated. Thank you for your messages of support and support, we appreciate them DD.”
In a Facebook message, the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle said the news of Father Donnelly’s death was a “great shock”.
The Rt Rev Robert Byrne said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly, who died peacefully on Friday afternoon in hospital.
“This was a big shock to all of us.
“Please pray for the repose of his soul and keep his family in your prayers at this difficult time.”
