Background
He was born in Dublin and educated at Castleknock College, before going on the Irish College in Rome.
He was born in Dublin and educated at Castleknock College, before going on the Irish College in Rome.
He was ordained a priest in 1860 and held various positions in the Dublin diocese, and in 1883 became an auxiliary bishop of Dublin and titular bishop of Canea (Crete). He also served as Parish Priest in Bray. Review Donnelly was the author of a number of books, such as Short histories of the parishes of the Dublin diocese, as well as pamphlets and translations, such as a translation of Haberl"s Magister Choralis.
He contributed also to the Catholic Encyclopedia with an article on the Archdiocese of Dublin.
During the Royal visit of Queen Victoria to Ireland in 1900, Donnelly was present at a number of the events during her stay. He died on the 29th of March 1920.
Donnelly had a keen interest in liturgical music and was a member of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, he was also a member of various societies such as the Royal Dublin Society, the Royal Irish Academy, the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, the Royal Societies Club (London) and the Dante Society of Ireland.