Mr Mooney was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1965, having studied at Trinity College Dublin. He took silk in 1983.

In 1994, he was elected as a Bencher and served as treasurer of the Inn of Court in 2002.

A spokesperson for the Bar told Irish Legal News: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed colleague Philip Mooney QC this weekend.”

She added: “Philip enjoyed a long and eminent career as a criminal defence barrister and, although he retired some years ago, his cases and notable work are still cited within the Bar Library.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this difficult time.”