Noel was a talented and well-known singer
NOEL Donnelly, who died on 30 January, 2018, was a talented singer who was well-known through his involvement in the local showband scene and as a member of Saint Nicholas church choir.
He was also known for a life-long passion for Glasgow Celtic FC, and in later life for his cheery, friendly nature while out on his bicycle.
Noel was born and reared at 83 Saint Nicholas Avenue, and lived most of his adult years in Oakland Park.
He attended the local De La Salle School, and also during his childhood enjoyed playing football and fishing with his dad.
As a teenager he helped in the training of greyhounds, which he enjoyed, and often walked his uncle Larry’s greyhounds onto the Dundalk track.
Noel came from a musical family who all enjoyed singing and it was a gift that passed on to him.
It led to him joining The Young Vikings showband with friends. He travelled with the band all across the country and later also performed with the Toronto showband.
For around a decade he was involved in the showband scene, and a tribute was paid to him recently on Dundalk FM, presented by Paddy McEneaney, and in which former band members took part.
It was while touring that he met his former wife Linda, which resulted in the couple starting their own family.
Glasgow Celtic was central to his life, supporting the Scottish club from a young age and his fervour never waned, attending many matches where he met people who became lifelong friends.
Another great love of Noel’s was Saint Nicholas church choir of which he was a member for approximately 30 years.
He played an active role in the church where he was a reader at Sunday Masses, and took great pride in that and his singing in the choir.
His working career entailed a spell in the former Ecco electronics plant where Noel spent a decade prior to his retirement in 1980.
He enjoyed a simple life, exemplified in later years by his love of going out for daily spins on the bicycle. He wouldn’t pass one person without uttering his friendly greeting: “Hello my friend”, accompanied by a cheery smile.
Noel experienced much personal sadness with the death of his son Darren in infancy. His daughter Michelle was only 37 when she passed away. He was also predeceased by parents, Edward and Molly; and sister, Deirdre Curtis.
He passed away in the loving care of Louth County Hospital, and is very deeply missed by son, Marc; daughters, Frances, Amelia and Pauline; and their mother Linda; brother, Jimmy (Roche); sisters, Marian (Cork) and Noreen (Sligo); son-inlaw, Benny and Matt; grandchildren, Graham, Lynn, Nicole, Leanne, Chloe, Dion, Caoimhe, Brendan, Vinnie, Colleen, Stephen, Cillian and Quinn; great-grandchildren, Cora, Kayla and Lewis; brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, cous- ins, extended family relatives and wonderful neighbours and friends.
The regard in which Noel and his family are held was reflected in that Saint Nicholas Church was full to capacity for his funeral Mass, and mourners lined the full length of both sides of Bridge Street as the cortege passed.
He reposed at the residence of his daughter, Frances, Farndreg Estate, on the Wednesday and Thursday. He was removed on the Friday, via Oakland Park and Saint Nicholas Avenue, to Saint Nicholas’.
Father Brian Slater CC celebrated the Requiem Mass and delivered the eulogy.
The Readings were given by Paul Donnelly and Carol McKevitt.
The Prayers of the Faithful were led by Vinnie Dwyer, Lynn Donnelly, Caoimhe Crawley and Colleen Dwyer.
The Offertory gifts were presented at the altar by sisters, Marian and Noreen.
Burial took place in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Dowdallshill.