Retired Catholic bishop Edward Daly, who famously went to the aid of civil rights protesters during Bloody Sunday, has died aged 82.

Dr Daly waved a blood-stained white handkerchief as a symbol of ceasefire while trying to help John "Jackie" Duddy, a protester who was shot dead in Derry on Bloody Sunday in 1972.

Paratroopers had opened fire on the demonstrators, killing 13 people and wounding 14. Another demonstrator was to die later.

The image of Dr Daly waving the handkerchief became one of the most enduring image of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

It has been announced that his funeral mass will be held on Thursday at 3.30pm at Saint Eugene's Cathedral in Derry.

Dr Daly served as Bishop of Derry from 1974 until 1993, only stepping aside after suffering a stroke.

He was awarded the freedom of the city in 2015 alongside his Church of Ireland counterpart.

Bloody Sunday was one of the most notorious events of the Troubles.

Protesters seeking 'one man, one vote' and other concessions from the unionist-dominated government of Northern Ireland had gathered for a march in Derry on January 30th 1972.

Dr Daly was then a curate at St Eugene's Cathedral and joined the march as it passed the cathedral.

He was standing close to Duddy when the 17-year-old was was shot and killed by soldiers.

Dr Daly and other marchers tried to bring him to safety, with the priest leading the way with a handkerchief in his hand.

In his later years Dr Daly helped the terminally ill as chaplain at Foyle Hospice in Derry.

The cleric was also a prolific writer.

"I felt a responsibility to tell the story of what I saw and what I saw was a young fella who was posing no threat to anybody being shot dead unjustifiably," he said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan expressed his sadness at the news.

"As well as being a man of God, Bishop Daly was first and foremost a man of peace," he said.

"He was a key advocate for peace in Northern Ireland over a period of decades. As a pastor in Derry, he strove to heal a divided city.

"While he was perhaps best known for his role in helping people on Bloody Sunday in 1972, his witness to the truth of that day was reflected by the results of the Saville Inquiry in 2010.

"He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but particularly by the people of Derry.

"My condolences go to all of his family, his friends, and his colleagues in faith."

In a statement, President Michael D Higgins said he served with a "practical and courageous commitment".

"Edward Daly will be remembered by many for his peaceful, compassionate, humanitarian and courageous actions during the appalling events of Bloody Sunday.

"This was but one part of the great contribution that was his life of service to the citizens of Derry, including as it did his leadership in the tasks of regeneration and his work with the hospice movement in the later part of his life."

A mural in the Bogside area of Derry depics Edward Daly waving a white handkerchief as he led Jackie Duddy away | Photo: PA Images

'Untiring advocacy'

Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin said he was greatly saddened by the bishop's death and grateful for his support.

“My first memory of Bishop Edward is when I was a 13-year-old boy, walking to the bottom of our street in Pennyburn, to greet the new bishop.

"He was just 40 years of age and came across as warm, youthful and interested in us, his people.

"Bishop Edward literally spent himself in the service of others. His episcopal motto 'pasce oves meas' (feed my sheep) inspired a total pastoral giving of himself in service and love for his diocese.

"He was a gentle shepherd whose immense contribution to the spiritual and moral wellbeing of the people of Derry diocese during a troubled time shall never be forgotten.

"He had a sensitive heart and generous disposition; ever caring to the sick, the bereaved, and to victims on all sides of the Troubles.

"As a pastor he was very attentive to prisoners, internees, their families and loved ones. He took a personal interest in those who suffered miscarriages of justice.

"His untiring advocacy for the Birmingham Six, the victims of Bloody Sunday and for the families of those murdered by paramilitaries earned him respect from some, suspicion from others."

Archbishop Martin said Bishop Edward had a “lived conviction” that violence from any side in Northern Ireland was futile and could never be morally justified.

"As a gifted spiritual leader and communicator, his words touched the hearts of many people, but his ministry was not confined to preaching.

"He walked with his people in their struggles and joys and was most at home out in the streets, parishes and communities of his diocese.

"Bishop Edward will be remembered as a fearless peace-builder - as exemplified by his courage on Bloody Sunday in Derry - and as a holy and humble faith leader."

Meanwhile, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire described Dr Daly as "an iconic figure in civic life".

"He will long be remembered as a cleric who worked tirelessly to promote peace for all," he said.