Father Dermott Donnelly has died

Fr Dermott Donnelly

TV star Declan Donnelly, of Ant and Dec fame, has said he is "heartbroken" to announce the death of his older brother, Father Dermott Donnelly. Fr Dermot died in hospital today after a short illness. He was just 55 and had recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of his ordination.

In a tweet, @Antanddec Dec said: "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."

Fr Donnelly officiated at the wedding of his famous brother to Ali Astall in Newcastle in a ceremony in 2015.

The Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, Rt Rev Robert Byrne, CO, said in a statement: "It is with very great sadness that we have just heard of the passing of one of our very own in the Diocese - Fr Dermott Donnelly. Our prayers this weekend will be for Fr Dermott, his loved ones and many friends - all of whom will be shocked and saddened to hear of his death.

Fr Dermott had only recently celebrated his 30th anniversary of service to parish, community, Diocese and our faith. He will be sorely missed for his energy, enthusiasm and ability to engage with all who met him. This is particularly true of his work with young people and youth ministry in the Diocese - bringing many disadvantaged and dispirited young people to Christ and Catholicism. Fr Dermott truly lived his faith, and in doing so gave so much to others. It is with great gratitude that we will remember him and all he selflessly gave.

Having been born and bred in the Diocese, Fr Dermott was known to many - from his own large extended family, to the local communities he grew up in and later served, his fellow priests and many, many more. Our prayers and condolences go out to those who will be grieving so strongly at this moment. I know that many will be gathering at 6pm this evening at St Joseph's in Stanley, to pray for Fr Dermott, so would offer this reflection - from Thessalonians (1) 4:13-14 - to all those who loved and had the greatest respect for him.

"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died."

Monica Conmee, CAFOD Head of Education, said: "We are hugely saddened to hear of the death of Fr Dermott Donnelly, a great friend of CAFOD who witnessed a burning passion and commitment to the fullness of life for all.

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. 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. We are hugely privileged to have worked closely with Fr Dermott enabling the voices of the poor and most vulnerable to be heard. Fr Dermott will shine brightly forever. May the angels come to greet one of their own."