Mourners line the streets as Jimmy 'The Weed' Donnelly is laid to rest

Mourners gathered in Manchester today to pay their respects to Jimmy ‘The Weed’ Donnelley, a key figure in the Quality Street Gang, who passed away at 84 after battling cancer. His funeral procession featured a horse-drawn carriage adorned with an Irish tri-colour and a pipe band, starting from his home in Ancoats and ending at St Joseph’s cemetery following a mass at St Patrick’s Church. The service reportedly included a reading by TV star Max Beesley. Jimmy, a proud Wythenshawe native, was known for his criminal exploits in the 60s, 70s, and 80s and even authored an autobiography in 2011, candidly reflecting on his life as a villain. He spoke of handling stolen goods and surviving life-threatening situations, while also managing various pubs, clubs, and car dealerships. His brother, Arthur Donnelly, passed away just weeks before him, adding to the family’s sorrow. The family expressed immense pride in Jimmy’s legacy, particularly highlighting the Thin Lizzy song inspired by him.

Read the full article at Manchester Evening News