St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dundalk where Fr Donnelly spent 27 years
The death occurred on Tuesday of Rev Archdeacon Francis Donnelly PE, former administrator of St Patrick’s Parish in Dundalk.
The Meadow Grove man died peacefully in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda having previously resided in Moorehall Nursing Home in Ardee.
Fr Donnelly, or Monsignor Donnelly as he was also known, retired from the priesthood in 2005 after 51 years in Co Louth, 27 of which were in St Patrick’s. He also spent 16 years in St Peter’s in Drogheda, where he was based prior to retirement in 2005.
Fr Donnelly had turned 85 last August.
He was a native of the Loup in South Derry and was educated at Armagh College and Seminary and later St Patrick’s, Maynooth between 1943 and 1955 when he was ordained.
Away from his priestly duties he played a prominent role in the growth of Dundalk Credit Union and was also an active member of Louth VEC where he was chairman for a number of years.
Fr Frank was predeceased by his brothers Michael and Patsy and is deeply regretted by Archbishop Eamon Martin, Cardinal Brady, Bishop Clifford, the priests of the Archdiocese of Armagh, his sister Annie, brother John Joe, Pat and the Muckian family, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and former parishioners.
Removal from his home takes place at 6.45pm this evening to St Patrick’s Cathedral, arriving for Mass at 7pm. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday at 12 noon followed by burial in St Patrick’s Cemetery.
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