By Bill Heaney
Dumbarton West Ender, Dr Noel Donnelly, has been knighted by Pope Francis in recognition of his significant work as a musician and lecturer in Holy Scripture.
Noel, who lives in Westfield, Clerkhill, worked at St Andrew’s College in Bearsden and has produced books of teaching material, which have been particularly helpful to teachers qualifying to take up posts in Catholic schools.
He has been the church organist in his home parish of St Michael’s in Cardross Road for many years.
Noel, who loves to play the harp, is also an active member of Musicians and Artists for Mary’s Meals and provides the music at their many fund-raising concerts and art exhibitions.
Father Vincent Toal, parish priest, announced Noel’s appointment as a Knight of St Gregory, one of the Church’s highest honours for a lay person, in the St Michael’s parish bulletin at the weekend.