WATCH: Prominent Belfast lawyer with COVID-19 clapped out of ICU

By David Young, PA

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.

🎥 Belfast lawyer Niall Murphy moved out of intensive care. #COVID19 #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/4RsKvlfuiv

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 10, 2020

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 Fein Assembly member Gerry Kelly tweeted the video.

"Go Niall go!" he posted.