Mr O’Connor qualified as a solicitor in the early 1950s and became a partner in the firm of J G O’Connor & Co Solicitors, a practice commenced by his late father. He later served for almost 20 years as managing partner of O’Connor Solicitors.

In a statement, his former firm said: “John had an exceptional legal mind and he enjoyed nothing more than delving deep into a complex legal issue.

“He offered the soundest of advice to clients over a 60-year career, and his patience with less experienced colleagues who regularly relied on his vast wealth of knowledge, was renowned.

“John will be very much missed by his wife Mary, his family and friends, and by those of us who had the pleasure of working with him.”