A troubled see

Memoirs of a Derry bishop

Edward Daly

A troubled see: memoirs of a Derry bishop continues the story begun in Edward Daly’s bestselling Mister, are you a priest? (2000), which focused on his years as a curate in the Bogside during some of the most turbulent and dramatic years of the Northern Troubles. This new book covers his years as Bishop of Derry (1974–93) and his current work as Chaplain to the Foyle Hospice in Derry.

Edward Daly was closely involved in many of the major events during the Northern Troubles, including the Hunger Strikes of 1980 and 1981, the case of the Birmingham Six, and the Saville Inquiry. Writing about matters in which he had a significant and direct involvement, he describes those experiences as he saw them and the personal impact the events had on him. He illustrates the challenges of ministering as a bishop during the protracted conflict, providing a personal and often revealing insight into the difficulties inherent in ministering in such a ‘troubled’ See.

Edward Daly had the opportunity to meet and minister to many remarkable people, and to witness and experience some extraordinary events. In 1976 he was invited to preach at the International Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia, an inspirational experience for the newly appointed bishop; he was also centrally involved in organising the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland in 1979. In this memoir, he reflects on the many changes occurring in the Church over his five decades in the priesthood. He also discusses the fulfillment, personal and spiritual, he finds in serving as Chaplain to the Foyle Hospice in Derry, a position he has held since 1994.

Edward Daly, a native of Fermanagh, was bishop of Derry from 1974 to 1993. He is author of Mister, Are You a Priest? (2000) and the co-author of The Clergy of the Diocese of Derry: an Index (2nd ed., 2009).