Northern Ireland

John Hume unveils memorial in Derry to Bishop Edward Daly

John Hume and Ivan Cooper with Bishop Edward Daly's sisters Marian Ferguson and Ann Gibson after the unveiling of a monument at Rossville Street in Derry's Bogside. Also pictured is Vincent Coyle. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
John Hume and Ivan Cooper with Bishop Edward Daly's sisters Marian Ferguson and Ann Gibson after the unveiling of a monument at Rossville Street in Derry's Bogside. Also pictured is Vincent Coyle. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin John Hume and Ivan Cooper with Bishop Edward Daly's sisters Marian Ferguson and Ann Gibson after the unveiling of a monument at Rossville Street in Derry's Bogside. Also pictured is Vincent Coyle. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

A MEMORIAL to Bishop Edward Daly has been unveiled close to where he was pictured on Bloody Sunday helping to bring the body of teenage victim Jackie Duddy from Derry’s Bogside.

Dr Daly, who led the Derry diocese during some of the worst days of the Troubles, died aged 81 last month following a long illness.

Thousands of people queued to pay their respects to the church leader at St Eugene’s Cathedral, while President Michael D Higgins was among dignitaries at the funeral.

Photographs and film of Bishop Daly waving a blood-stained handkerchief as he led a group of men carrying Jackie Duddy became among the most enduring images of the Troubles.

The new monument was erected at Rossville Street close to St Eugene’s Cathedral and pays tribute to “The People’s Priest”.

The inscription reads: “This Garden of Reflection has been dedicated in honour of the late bishop of Derry and Raphoe (sic) Dr Edward Daly in heartfelt gratitude and thanksgiving for the wonderful work for the people of Derry and beyond.”

The stone was unveiled by former SDLP leader John Hume with fellow party founder and civil rights leader Ivan Cooper.

Mr Hume worked closely with Dr Daly and was one of his closest personal friends.

Members of Dr Daly’s family also travelled to Derry for the unveiling ceremony on Saturday.