Derry's Bishop Edward Daly, 82

Bishop Edward Daly. ROLLINGNEWS.IE

 

By Anthony Neeson

Tributes have poured in for Bishop Edward Daly who died earlier Monday at age 82.

For many, Daly will be remembered as the priest who waved a blood-stained white handkerchief as he and a group of men tried to escort the mortally wounded Jackie Duddy to safety in the aftermath of the Bloody Sunday shootings.

He was then a 39-year-old curate in St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry.

The Belleek, Co. Fermanagh, native served as a priest in Derry City since 1962. He was later Bishop of Derry from 1974 until 1993.

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He died in hospital with his family by his side.

The primate of Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, described Bishop Daly as “an iconic figure in the civic and church life of Ireland.

“Bishop Edward will be remembered as a fearless peace-builder – as exemplified by his courage on Bloody Sunday in Derry – and as a holy and humble faith leader,” he said.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster said she was saddened to hear of Bishop Edward Daly’s death.

“During the darker moments of our recent past Dr. Daly made a significant contribution by arguing that violence should be rejected and by articulating a vision based on respect and tolerance,” she said.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “He was a man of authentic faith and compassion and a tremendous force for good who dedicated his life to the service of others.”

He added: “Bishop Daly was a strong supporter of the peace process who spoke out strongly against injustice and violence and was very supportive to me personally in my role in the peace process and the development of the institutions.”

President Michael D. Higgins said Bishop Daly will be remembered for his peaceful, compassionate, humanitarian and courageous actions during Bloody Sunday.

 

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