Rev Dr Martin McNeely, who passed away on Saturday, had been minster at Ballykeel Presbyterian Church, before moving on to a new ministry in Fahan, Co Donegal, in January last year.

During his 16 years in Ballymena, Rev McNeely (55) immersed himself in the community, which has been paying tribute to the role he played in addressing social issues.

The son of a farmer from near the border with Donegal, he had moved to England as a child, but came back to study at the University of Ulster when he was 23.

Reflecting on his student days, Rev McNeely once said: “I played lots of sport, and despite frequently attending church, I was out drinking, DJ-ing and getting up to all the usual lad stuff.

“I met a girl when I graduated at 26. She was clearly Christian and I realised that I wasn’t.

“So

See Full Page