'In Ballykeel Presbyterian Church he was such a notable influence for good in the area' - Tributes paid after passing of Rev Martin McNeely
Tributes have poured in after the passing of 55-year-old Rev Martin McNeely who had been minister of Ballykeel Presbyterian Church in Ballymena.
North Antrim MP Jim Allister said he was ‘saddened to hear of the passing of Rev Martin McNeely who in his years in Ballykeel Presbyterian Church was such a notable influence for good in the area’.
‘His outreach into the community and impact on it was remarkable’, Mr Allister added. ‘Condolences to his wife and children’.
And DUP MLA for north Antrim Paul Frew in a statement on social media said he is ‘very saddened to hear of the passing of Rev. Martin McNeely’.
‘We all have our memories of Marty and that is a testament to the man that he was.
‘Not only a minister for his Community of Ballykeel, but a champion for them also.
‘The best. My Prayers are with Martin’s wife and children’.
A death notice in Funeral Times says that ‘Martin David (Marty) McNeely’ was ‘called home 22nd November 2025, late of Ballykeel and Fahan Presbyterian Churches’.
‘Beloved husband of Julie, loving father of Joshua and Martha, dear son of Robert and Florence, brother of Helen and Mary, son-in-law of Jarvis and Eleanor, brother-in-law of Andrew and Amanda and uncle of Chloe and Matthew’.
It adds that ‘after a private interment a service of thanksgiving for the life and witness of Marty will be held in Connor Presbyterian Church, Carncombe Road, Kells, Ballymena BT42 3LA on Wednesday 26th November at 12.30pm’.
On social media messages of support have poured in for his family.
A post from Ballymena Business Centre said: ‘The Board of Directors of Ballykeel Business Centre and Ballymena Business Centre wish to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Reverend Dr. Martin McNeely.
‘Martin served as a Director of Ballykeel Business Centre where his commitment, wisdom, and kindness left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Julie, children Joshua and Martha. Martin’s legacy of friendship, compassion and service will be long remembered’.
Another tribute from Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster adds: ‘Today the band received the devastating news that the former minister of Ballykeel Presbyterian church Reverend Martin McNeely has passed away after a long and courageous battle with illness.
‘Around twenty years ago Marty arrived in Ballykeel at a time when the community was struggling with many issues.
‘Through his engagement with the many community groups and organisations he soon turned things around with his hands on approach.
‘His door was always open to anyone no matter who they were and he seen many people in the area through difficult times with his ministry.
‘Marty had a real fondness for Ballykeel LSOU and was always on hand to offer assistance when needed.
‘He engaged with and encouraged our members to get involved in church life which lead to the band taking part in the Christmas carol service on a few occasions.
‘On another occasion whilst on our journey to the start point of our annual parade the band marched through the church grounds and played a few tunes for his American guests, which he enjoyed greatly.
‘At Marty's last service before he left Ballykeel in January 2024 the band presented him with a Bible in recognition of his service to the Ballykeel area, something we know he appreciated immensely.
‘The band would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Julie, son Joshua and daughter Martha at this very sad and difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
‘Marty truely was a Keeler!’
Another tribute from Ballykeel Football Club says: ‘Saddened to hear the news this evening about the passing of Rev Martin McNeely, to us he was just Marty not just a Minister but a friend to all of us who we could always rely on when needed, followed our club and would attend our games when he could find the time out of his very busy pastoral duties.
‘Having spoken to the players and other officials of the club we like to dedicate our win today to Marty and send Julie Joshua and Martha our deepest condolences’.