Antrim GAA have confirmed that Club Aontroma chairperson Niall Murphy is 'fighting for his life' after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Belfast-born Murphy, a solicitor, is currently in an induced coma and on a ventilator in a hospital in the city.
As well as his work with Club Aontroma, Murphy is a partner at the law firm KRW law and works for the Relatives for Justice group, which campaigns on behalf of bereaved families affected by the Troubles.
Niall Murphy Chairperson of @ClubAontroma is currently fighting for his life against Covid 19 and is in an induced coma and on a ventilator in hospital.
Prayers are with Niall and family at this time.
Keep fighting Niall the Saffron’s need you ! pic.twitter.com/cx5S8ZJ5Xf— Antrim GAA (@AontroimGAA) March 28, 2020
The Belfast Telegraph report that Murphy became sick following a St Patrick's Day function in New York.
It is understood that Murphy informed friends that he believes he picked up the virus either in the airport or on the plane back to the North.
Kevin Winters, a partner at KRW, issued a statement last night, saying:
"His condition remains critical but stable. We have invited people to send him and his family messages of support on Monday.
"All of us hope and pray that Niall's well-known battling qualities will see him through what is a very difficult time for him and his family.
"He would want everyone to keep themselves and their families and NHS staff safe by following advice to stay home and avoid the spread of this awful virus.
"In particular as a GAA mentor he would want young people to stay indoors and use social media to keep in touch with friends and family."
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