'Fr Liam was a gentleman and certainly a man of the people' - tributes paid to late County Derry priest

Tributes have been paid to a retired County Derry priest who passed away yesterday.

Fr Liam Donnelly, of Drumlamph, Lavey, passed away on Saturday, October 26.

The popular cleric's death comes just four months after he celebrated 60 years of priesthood.

Announcing the news on its Facebook page earlier today, Lavey Parish said that Fr Donnelly had 'touched many people's lives' over the years.

“It is with deep regret we inform you of the death of Father Liam Donnelly,” read the social media post.

“Father Liam touched many people's lives during his 60 years of Priesthood and will be greatly missed by everyone.

“We will always remember his great stories and homilies about his ministry as a Priest and his love for his Parish of Lavey.

“We will all remember Fr. Liam fondly and have wonderful memories.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Fr. Donnelly’s family and friends at this time.

“Eternal rest grant unto your servant Father Liam, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Dozens of online tributes have been paid to the priest with many describing their sadness at the news of his death.

“Such heart breaking news. Fr Liam was a gentleman and certainly a man of the people. He will be very fondly remembered. We will greatly miss his visits to Craigavole. Rest in Peace Fr Liam,” said one woman.

Another tribute read: “RIP Fr Donnelly. He was such a gentle soul.”

A death notice stated that Fr Liam was the beloved son of the late Frank and Minnie (Drumlamph) and loving brother of Philomena (Fullan) and the late Marie, Henry, Frank, Jim and Martina.

Fr Liam's remains will be reposing from 2pm tomorrow (Monday, October 28) in St Mary's Church, Lavey.

Requiem Mass will be held on Wednesday at 12noon with interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

The death notice added: “Deeply regretted by his sorrowing sister, nephews, nieces, extended family circle, Bishop Donal and the priests of Derry Diocese.”

Fr Donnelly was ordained by Bishop Neil Farren on June 21 1964 in the Convent Chapel, Buncrana.

ABOVE: Fr Donnelly pictured on his ordination with his parents.

Following this he was appointed to Coleraine parish between 1965 and 1970.

He then spent seven years in Glendermott parish followed by a short time in Pennyburn.

Fr Donnelly was then appointed in Ballyscullion between 1977 and 1981, later moving to Ballykelly parish where he stayed until 1989. Between 1989 and 1994, he served as parish priest in Strathfoyle.

In 1994, Fr Donnelly became parish priest in Errigal and stayed there for 14 years before returning to Ballykelly in 2008.

Following his retirement, Fr Donnelly moved to Lavey where he had been living up until his death.