Belfast lawyer’s release from ICU hailed as inspirational and life affirming

The release from intensive care of a well-known solicitor who had been in critical condition with coronavirus has been hailed as inspirational.

Niall Murphy, 43, gave the thumbs-up in video footage of him being wheeled from ICU on Friday night.

The married father-of-three from Belfast is a partner in KRW Law in Belfast.

He has been involved in many high-profile criminal trials and civil court cases, often representing victims of the Troubles.

Mr Murphy’s release from ICU on Good Friday has been described as “life-affirming and poignant” by his friend and fellow partner at KRW Law Kevin Winters.

Mr Winters told the PA news agency: “Hearing news of his transfer out of ICU has been seismic for Niall’s family.

The timing of the move coming as it did on Good Friday is both life-affirming and poignant.

“Watching the video of Niall being clapped and cheered by all the medical staff as he leaves ICU is truly inspirational and a defiantly iconic moment during this hellish crisis.”

Mr Murphy is also a keen gaelic games enthusiast.

Antrim GAA tweeted on Friday night: “Great to see Niall Murphy is out of ICU. All the prayers are working.”

Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly tweeted the video.

“Go Niall go!” he posted.

The current restrictions started on Friday, March 27. They mandate that everyone should stay at home, only leaving to:
• Shop for essential food and household goods;
• Attend medical appointments, collect medicine or other health products;
• Care for children, older people or other vulnerable people - this excludes social family visits;
• Exercise outdoors - within 2kms of your home and only with members of your own household, keeping 2 metres distance between you and other people
• Travel to work if you provide an essential service - be sure to practice physical distancing