Bloody Sunday ‘white handkerchief’ Bishop Edward Daly dies at age 82
Bishop Edward Daly, best known for waving a blood stained white handkerchief as he tried to assist a wounded man to safety during Ireland's Bloody Sunday massacre in 1972, has died.
The 82-year-old Bishop from Northern Ireland had been battling cancer.
Bishop Daly helped escort 17-year-old Jackie Duddy to safety after he was shot by British paratroopers in the Bogside area of Derry on what is now known as Bloody Sunday.
Iconic film of the moment captured the horror of the violence inflicted by the British military at the time.
The 39-year-old Daly was serving as a priest in Derry on the infamous day, January 30, 1972, when British paratroopers opened fire on demonstrators staging a march against internment.
Several victims were shot as they were fleeing the violence or helping the injured.
May God rest the soul of Bishop Daly a good brave and holy man RIP
— George Galloway (@georgegalloway) August 8, 2016
Daly’s white handkerchief was seen as a symbol of ceasefire during one of Northern Ireland’s most violent periods.
The Catholic born from across the border in Donegal served as Bishop of Derry from 1974 until 1994, when he retired after suffering a stroke.
His death came after a battle with cancer.
Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness said he was saddened by Daly’s death and “pleased he lived to see Peace.”
Deeply saddened at death of much loved former Bishop of Derry Edward Daly.Hard being Bishop at a time of war, pleased he lived to see Peace.
— Martin McGuinness (@M_McGuinness_SF) August 8, 2016
Im sorry 2 hear of death of Bishop Edward Daly. A decent man.
— Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) August 8, 2016
My thoughts & prayers with the family of Bishop Edward Daly. He will be remembered for working tirelessly to promote peace for all in NI.
— James Brokenshire (@JBrokenshire) August 8, 2016
I am saddened by the death of Bishop Edward Daly, a true pastor who steadfastly lived and proclaimed the Gospel of peace in difficult times.
— Cardinal Nichols (@CardinalNichols) August 8, 2016
Members of the British Air Force’s 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment were initially absolved of blame in a “cover-up” known as the Widgery Tribunal, which said their deadly actions had merely “bordered on the reckless,” but Lord Saville’s report released in 2010 found their use of violence was “unjustified.”
No one has ever been arrested or charged in the deaths of 14 unarmed protesters.
