Reacting today to the sudden death of Mgr David Gemmell, Sir Tom Farmer released the following statement:

"I was shocked to hear of the death this morning of Mgr David Gemmell. I have know David since he became a priest in Edinburgh in 1978 and watched him grow and develop in the priesthood from a young curate to one of the most senior priests in the Archdiocese and the Administrator of St. Mary's Cathedral.

David was a great priest who loved his chosen role in life, he was always close to and involved in the lives of his immediate family and he cared greatly for all those parishioners he came to know in the many parishes he served feelings which were widely reciprocated. I am pleased I had the opportunity to know him and I mourn his loss."



Further reaction came from Celtic Football Club who released the following statement:

"CELTIC Football Club were saddened to hear of the sudden death of Monsignor David Gemmell, who passed away today (Thursday, March 6) in Barcelona.
Monsignor Gemmell had been visiting the Catalan city along with his colleague, Fr Hugh Purcell, to attend Celtic’s UEFA Champions League game with Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

A spokesperson for Celtic Football Club said: “Clearly, we are stunned by the sudden passing of Monsignor Gemmell, a man who was a great supporter of Celtic and someone well known to the club.
“The thoughts of everyone at Celtic are with Monsignor Gemmell's relatives, friends, colleagues and congregation at this very difficult time.”

ENDS


Peter Kearney
Director
Catholic Media Office
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pk@scmo.org
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