Declan Donnelly opens Elswick church fete on anniversary of brother's death

  • Dec opening the St Michael's Church summer fete after attending mass

Declan Donnelly attended mass at St Michaels Church in Elswick, as he marked a year since the death of his older brother, Father Dermott Donnelly.

Father Dermott died on 8 July 2022 after a serious illness, and there was an outpouring of tributes to him.

Ant McPartlin pays tribute to Dec's brother as the ‘kindest’ man he knew

Dec then stayed to officially open the St Michael's summer fete, on the 150-year anniversary of the parish.

The church has a long connection with his family.

St Michael's is where Dec got married, officiated by his late brother.

Declan Donnelly and Ali Astall after their wedding at St Michael's Church, Elswick, Newcastle. Credit: PA

Alongside the summer fair, the church had an exhibition documenting the long history of the area.

Father William Nicol, the parish priest said: "[Today] seemed to be a good opportunity to celebrate, to celebrate not only this magnificent building - and it's not really appreciated until you come inside it just how magnificent it is... but also to celebrate Elswick as a place.

"We have a very rich, diverse community, and this was an opportunity to say something positive."

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