Priest Found Dead in Hotel Room

by Rachael Grant

Monsignor David Gemmell, 54, the administrator of St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, died in his hotel room in Barcelona, Spain, on Thursday. He was reported to have been on holiday at the time, on a trip with colleague Father Hugh Purcell, to support Celtic play against Barcelona.

It has been revealed that on the Wednesday Mr Gemmell said that after his meal he didn’t feel very well, but that he was not in need of medical intervention. He then retired to his room. When he did not arrive for breakfast on the Thursday, hotel authorities were contacted by Mr Purcell. Monsignor Gemmell, who has an existing heart condition, was found dead in his room.

Friends of the priest have been quick to give their condolences, and amongst those is Sir Tom Farmer, who had known Gemmell for a number of years. He described Gemmell as a great priest who “loved his chosen role in life”, as well as stating his personal privilege in having known him.

A spokesman for Celtic Football Club, the team Mr Gemmell was on holiday to see at the time, expressed their sympathy towards his friends and family.

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