LEADING solicitor Niall Murphy is showing signs of improvement in a battle with coronavirus that resulted in almost two weeks in intensive care in Belfast's Mater Hospital.
The Belfast man is said to have shown signs of progress after being placed on a ventilator in a medically induced coma.
The 43-year-old's oxygen levels have been gradually improving and he has been responding to medical staff.
Mr Murphy, a father-of-three, took ill after returning from a St Patrick's Day function in New York last month.
A partner in the KRW Law firm headed by Kevin Winters, he has been involved in a series of high-profile legacy cases, including representing the families of those murdered in the 1994 Loughinisland massacre.
Mr Murphy is also the vice-chairman of St Enda's GAA club in Glengormley and chairman of Club Aontroma, which supports Gaelic games in Antrim.
There has been an outpouring of support for the popular solicitor after KRW Law encouraged people to send Mr Murphy and his family messages.
Among those to send a message was New York state comptroller Tom DiNapoli who said: "A great fighter for human rights and dignity in Northern Ireland. Our prayers are with Niall, his wife, children, family and friends for his swift recovery".
The Bar of Northern Ireland also said the legal community "is uniting in support of each other throughout this crisis - our thoughts are with Niall and we hope that he makes a full recovery".
Kevin Winters, on behalf of KRW Law, said the response had been "humbling and inspiring".
