Presbyterian cleric remembered as ‘a friend to all in town’ after death at 55 following long illness
Rev Dr Martin McNeely 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, I prayed at this time of crisis in my life and experienced great peace and a certainty about the evangelical Gospel.
“I went into training for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in Belfast.”
By the end of his studies, Rev McNeely held degrees from the University of Ulster; Union Theological College, Belfast, and the Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando.
His ministry took him to Ballymena, where he settled along with his wife Julie and their two children Joshua and Martha, becoming one of the most recognisable faces in the town.
He passed away at the weekend after a long battle with illness.
Among the community groups paying tribute were Ballymena and Ballykeel Business Centres, which said: “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.
“Martin’s legacy of friendship, compassion and service will be long remembered.”
Rev McNeely had been a strong voice speaking out for the community, particularly calling for greater measures to address mental health issues and to tackle the high suicide rate in the area.
He was also connected with Ballykeel Loyal Sons of Ulster Flute band.
“Around 20 years ago Marty arrived in Ballykeel at a time when the community was struggling with many issues,” the band said.
“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 saw many people in the area through difficult times with his ministry.
“Marty was always on hand to offer assistance when needed.
“He engaged with and encouraged our members to get involved in church life, which led to the band taking part in the Christmas carol services.
“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.”
Rev Dr Martin McNeely
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Ballykeel Football Club said: “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, who followed our club and would attend our games when he could find the time out of his very busy pastoral duties.”
On his time in Ballykeel, Rev McNeely had reflected: “When I arrived, Ballykeel had been condemned by a lot of people, but I never let myself be burdened by that fact.
“I achieved this by affirming the culture there where I could.
“Whenever I found something positive in the area, such as boxing, football or even the flute band, I would support it.
“I really rejoiced in doing that and I hope I have played a part in people recognising that Ballykeel is a good place to live.
“There are a lot of problems, but there is huge positivity now.
“One of the ways that I was able to reinforce that is through the local primary school.
“I have a particular passion for seeing men come to faith and men grow in faith; so probably the most rewarding aspect was been to see quite a lot of fellas emerge through the church into leadership.
“That will be my overwhelming memory — the men that I have seen raised up. Some guys have been through desperate tragedies including lost loved ones and other immense challenges, and yet have come through as solid Christians.
“That has been a real inspiration for me, so I will never forget that.
“I think just generally worshipping on a Sunday morning with my own children and seeing people grow in faith and praise the Lord has been a real privilege.
“Every Sunday is a memory in and of itself.”