Tributes have been paid to a 'very special' Glasgow priest who has sadly died.

The Archdiocese of Glasgow has announced the death of Father William (Billy) Donnelly.

In a post on social media, they said Father Donnelly passed away on Thursday, October 17 at St Francis’ Nursing Home where he had been a resident.

Born in August 1940, the well-known priest attended Lourdes Primary School in the city's Cardonald area.

He then went to St Aloysius College. After that, he trained for the priesthood at St Peter’s in Cardross. Father Donnelly was then ordained a priest by Archbishop Scanlan in 1965.

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The Archdiocese of Glasgow said: "It is with great sorrow that the death is announced of Fr William (Billy) Donnelly.

"Fr Billy died on October 17 at St Francis’ Nursing Home where he had been resident.

"Fr Billy was born in August 1940 and after schooling at Lourdes Primary, Cardonald and St Aloysius College he trained for the priesthood at St Peter’s in Cardross.

"He was ordained a priest by Archbishop Scanlan in 1965.

"He had a myriad of postings in his priestly life, and his smile, openness to help and affability were much appreciated by parishioners across the Archdiocese.

"His list of appointments is as follows:

  • 1965-1967: Assistant Priest St Gregory's Wyndford
  • 1967-1971: Assistant Priest St Joseph's Faifley
  • 1971-1972: Catholic Radio & TV. Centre, Hatch End
  • 1972-1981: Assistant Priest Holy Cross Croy
  • 1975-1990: Chaplain St Maurice's High School
  • 1981-1990: Assistant Priest Our Lady and St Helen's Condorrat
  • 1990-1995: Parish Priest Our Lady and St Helen's Condorrat
  • 1995 2013-: Parish Priest St Andrew's Bearsden
  • 2013 – Retired from parish ministry.

"Funeral arrangements will be published in due course.

"Requiescat in pace."

Following the devasting news, tributes have poured in for the Glasgow priest on social media.

One person wrote: "Father Donnelly taught me to serve the mass as an altar boy in Latin. He was a very special man in my heart. 

"Sad news. RIP."

Another said: "Lovely gentleman."

A third added: Such a kind, gentle, and lovely priest. RIP."

Meanwhile, a fourth said: "The best man ever. Thank you for everything. Rest in peace."