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Leading NI solicitor dies after cycling accident

The Law Society of Northern Ireland has paid tribute to solicitor Pat Kelly (pictured), who died earlier this week after a cycling accident in County Wicklow last weekend.

Mr Kelly was admitted as a solicitor in 1985, and was a partner in the firm of McConnell Kelly before retiring in May 2022.

The President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland Brigid Napier said that she was “deeply shocked and saddened” to learn of his death.

“I knew him for many years, and he was highly respected amongst his colleagues and clients alike for his professionalism,” she added.

‘Tragic’

“His passing is tragic and will be felt by many who knew him as a gentleman within the legal profession,” said Napier.

Members of the legal profession also packed into Court Number 10 at the Laganside complex in Belfast to pay tribute yesterday (16 June), according to the Irish Independent.

Presiding District Judge Mark McGarrity said that Kelly had appeared in many of the most demanding and involved criminal cases ever prosecuted in the jurisdiction.

“Pat had an illustrious career, and is acknowledged as being amongst the leading lawyers in the country,” the judge said.