It is hard to believe but Dr. Noel Donnelly – biblical scholar, musician, choir director, lecturer, husband and father, and much more – will be 80 on 26 December 2012. So the St.Mungo Singers decided to turn their annual Christmas Party into a birthday party.
Around 70 of the choir and friends joined Noel and his wife Kathleen in St. Leo’s Hall for the celebration on 14 December. They enjoyed a wonderful meal with, inevitably, plenty of music and singing. Noel was presented with a gift and birthday cake from the choir, in thanks for his part in their lives. They also presented a bouquet to Kathleen. Being the St.Mungo Singers, they also made sure there was a second birthday cake for them to share!
Noel seemed somewhat taken aback by all the fuss and the demonstration of the affection in which he was clearly held by everyone – but that is Dr. Noel: quiet, gentle and unassuming. Ad multos annos, Dr. Noel!