Mr Boyd, who qualified in January 1972, passed away on Wednesday, according to the Law Society of Northern Ireland.

He was sole principal of J M Boyd in Ballyclare and he had an office on the Carnmoney Road in Newtownabbey. The practice was taken over by Gray Magee.

Mr Boyd retired from practice in October 2021.

The Law Society of Northern Ireland said it “offers its deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and friends”.

A funeral service will be held in Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium on Tuesday 28 May at 10am. The family have requested no flowers and donations in lieu, if desired, to Children’s Heartbeat Trust.

Friends are welcome to call at his home on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May between 2pm and 5pm.