Mourners at the funeral of the late Bishop Daly broke into spontaneous applause at this funeral this afternoon.
Over 1,000 people packed into St Eugene’s Cathedral for the service which was relayed through loudspeakers to hundreds outside.
Bishop Daly died on Monday last after a lengthy illness. He was 82.
Staff from the Foyle Hospice and players from Derry City Football Club, including manager Kenny Shiels, formed a guard of honour as Bishop Daly’s remains were taken from the church for burial only yards from the its entrance.
As they were, many wept openly while others applauded.
In his homily, Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown said Bishop Daly’s ministry was marked by “total dedication“ to the people he served.
Bishop McKeown said: “Today, we come to hand back to God one who was grateful for how he had been blessed in life – and one whose ministry has been an instrument of God’s peace for so many people.
“It was a privilege to stand at the door of the Cathedral over the last three days and hear stories of invaluable acts of kindness, both great and small.
“The people of the diocese – and beyond – held Bishop Edward Daly in the highest regard for his loving faithfulness to them over a period of 59 years as priest and bishop in this diocese. He could say, as Jesus did, ‘I know mine and mine know me.’
“His ministry was marked by total dedication to the people he served, wherever he was called to minister. That dedication was visible in outstanding courage.
”He showed physical courage on Bloody Sunday and his moral courage was evident in his passionate struggle against violence and injustice from all quarters.
“It takes enormous courage to be a peacemaker and he was an apostle of mercy, whether as a curate, as a bishop or as chaplain in the Foyle Hospice.
“For that courageous service of God and of his people, we give thanks today. We have all been blessed by it.”
Speaking at the end of the service, Archbishop Eamon Martin said tens of thousands of people had visited the Cathedral "out of great respect" for Bishop Daly..
He added: “Many tributes have been paid to him; countless words have been written, reflecting on his immense contribution to the life of Derry city and diocese and to peace and justice in Ireland; above all, the people who knew and loved Bishop Daly have been able to share stories of him and tell their children and grandchildren about the caring ministry of a great priest and bishop.
“All our memories have been gathered and offered in this beautiful and fitting celebration of praise to God where we have been able to give thanks for Bishop Daly's tireless service and entrust his soul to the mercy of our loving Saviour.
2There is little more for me to add, except, on behalf of my fellow bishops and of the faithful all over Ireland to express again our gratitude to God: for calling and gifting such a wonderful priest and bishop with charisms that made him so uniquely suited to service in this time and place for Bishop Edward's parents and family who first fostered in him such deep love for God and nurtured his vocation to the priesthood; and, for all those who helped develop and sustain his vocation by their friendship, prayers, encouragement, care and guidance.”
A special message of condolence from Pope Francis was read out by Papal Nuncio, Monsignor Medina Blanco (Chargé d’Affaires ai, Apostolic Nunciature in Ireland)..
It said: “The Holy Father was saddened to learn of the death of the Most Reverend Edward Kevin Daly, Bishop Emeritus of Derry, and he sends heartfelt condolences to his family and to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese.
"Recalling Bishop Daly’s generous and dedicated episcopal ministry in the service of peace and justice, His Holiness joins you in prayerful thanksgiving for his life and in commending his soul to the merciful love of God Our Father.
“To all who mourn the late Bishop’s passing, Pope Francis cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of hope and consolation in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Almost 150 bishops and clergy attended the service.
Among them were retired Primate of All-Ireland Sean Brady.
Political leaders included Irish President Michael D Higgins and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
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