Mr Kirk was admitted to the roll of solicitors in 1978 and was a consultant in private practice with Co Antrim firm Joseph Lockhart & Son. He retired in January 2016.

In a statement, the Law Society of Northern Ireland said it offers its deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and friends.

A service of thanksgiving will take place in Ronnie Thompson’s Funeral Church, 20 Ballinderry Road, Lisburn, BT28 1UF, on Saturday 6 January at 11am. More information can be found on FuneralTimes.com.