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Tributes have been paid to a father of two who was the "life and soul of everywhere he went" as a community has rallied to support his grieving family. Conall Donnelly, from the Cabragh area of Dungannon passed away on October 20, from a sudden illness bringing much sadness and heartbreak to his family and all who knew him. A devoted dad to his daughters Caitlin and Chloe and husband to his wife Claire, Conall was also an influential figure in his local community who was known for his warmth and kindness. A former chairman of Clogher Valley Wheelers cycling club and player for Killeeshil St Mary’s GAA , he also coached the U11 girl's team. His friend Sean McClenaghan said that Conall was "the life and soul of everywhere he went" who had a great ability to put a smile on someone's face. He said there was a huge outpouring of grief at his funeral with many of Conall's former colleagues at NIE attending and paying their respects. Sean said: "Conall's passing has left a huge hole in his family and the wider community as he was such a popular figure who would be the life and soul of everywhere he went. He just had a great way of making people smile. "He did an awful lot for local sports clubs, being the chairman of the Wheelers a few years ago and playing football for the local club since he could kick a ball. "You could see from the turnout of his former colleagues at NIE at his funeral that he was well respected and loved." Sean has launched a Gofundme appeal in order to raise funds to support Conall's daughters in the wake of his passing, which has received a huge amount of support in less than 24 hours, raising over £11,500. Sean said: "We just want to do something to help Conall's wife and daughters during this very difficult time. "The support that we have received so far from everyone so far has been incredible and we are very grateful to everyone who has donated." If you would like to donate to the appeal to support the Donnelly family you can do so via this link. For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
