Bishop Edward Daly’s family have spoken of the comfort they take from the impact he had on so many people during his life.

Speaking ahead of today’s funeral service his nephew, Gerard Daly, said they had been touched by the impact his uncle had on the lives of those who met him.

One such story Mr Daly shared was that of a Presbyterian man so touched by the comfort and support Bishop Daly gave to his dying mother that he converted to Catholicism.

Mr Daly his uncle Edward, whether meeting world leaders or a local parishioner, treated everyone the same and had a particular love for his final ministry as chaplain at the Foyle Hospice.

“His work in the Foyle Hospice was one of the big passions in his life,” he said.

“The part of his life as the Bishop and his involvement with Bloody Sunday, while he recognised the significance and the interest in those times in his life, he felt he had spoken enough about it.

“His focus was with the hospice and it gave him a huge fulfilment and he was so dedicated.”

He continued: “There are so many stories from people about their experiences of him, talking about meeting him at the hospice and the impact that he had on them at a time that is very frightening for people.

“That is really where faith comes in and it is so important to see that transition through peaceful.

“I was speaking to Sister Perpetua McNulty who runs the Gospel Choir at St Eugene’s Cathedral Mass; she told me that Edward had been working with a Presbyterian family in the hospice.

“The son had seen the good Edward had worked for his mother and how it saddened her that she couldn’t take part in the sacraments but he still could see how amazing it was for her.

“Her son then converted to Catholicism; Edward led by example and lived his faith in such a simple way.”

Mr Daly said despite the great social standing and immense respect his late uncle held, he was always a ‘humble and dignified’ man.

“He was just how the people of Derry knew him, he was the same way with his family and all the people he met,” he said.

“He was so open and compassionate and didn’t treat anyone any differently whether he was dealing with world leaders, someone from his parish or a member of the family.

“He was such a thoughtful person.

“He really made a connection with the people he met, that was very important to him.

“He was interested in people and what they had to say and he would always remember them when he saw them again.”

Mr Daly added: “It’s amazing to think that he is somebody in my family line and in my blood; he was so very inspirational but never one to look for glory or a pat on the back, he was very humble and dignified.

The family of the late Bishop Daly accompany his remains to St Eugene's Cathedral. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.