Coronavirus: Newtownabbey community rallying round Niall Murphy

Niall Murphy (43), who is from the Mayfield area, is a member of St Enda’s GAA club in Glengormley and a well-known solicitor.

Sending a message of support to Mr Murphy at the weekend, club chairman, Stephen Jennings said: “The news about Niall has shocked the whole community and our thoughts and prayers are with Marie and the children and Niall’s mother, father, sister and his brothers.

“It is said of Niall that he is the man with the big ideas for the big occasion for the club, but Niall is much more than that for the club as vice chairman he is always there to help myself as chairman out. He lives for his family, the club and our culture. I know that big Naomh Eanna heart will pull him through this tough time.

“He never held back on the field and he will not hold back in this battle.”

Newtownabbey Sinn Fein representative, Cllr Rosie Kinnear, said: “My heart completely and utterly breaks to think of him and his beautiful young family. Niall was my Master at KRW Law, where I trained and started my career working as a solicitor. This truly brings home the seriousness of what we’re all fighting here.”

One local resident has invited people to light a candle tonight to show support for Niall.

Posting on social media, the woman said: “Who will join me in lighting a candle on Monday, March 30 at 8pm and put it in your window and send positive thoughts, healing or prayers to Niall (a neighbour) his wife, children and family.”

Mr Murphy is understood to be in a critical but stable condition after being transferred to hospital last week.