Declan Donnelly helped carry his brother's coffin into church before telling mourners that the priest had 'so many more lives he needed to change' in a touching tribute. Father Dermott Donnelly, who had recently celebrated 30 years of service in the Catholic church, died in hospital earlier this month after falling seriously ill.
TV star Declan said his family 'can't believe he's gone' as hundreds gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle for Fr Dermott’s Requiem Mass on Friday, with more than 2,000 watching the service on a livestream. Ant McPartlin arrived separately.
The long-time friends and TV partners hugged outside after the service before applause erupted as Fr Dermott's hearse pulled away. Fr Dermott, 55, was best known for his work with young people and youth ministry.
