Tributes paid to Cloughey lawyer after sudden death

Tributes paid to Cloughey lawyer after sudden death

14 September 2016

TRIBUTES have been paid to a young barrister from Cloughey who has died while on holiday in Spain.

Shona Killen is understood to have passed away in the early hours of Monday morning. She was 27 years old.

Local councillor Joe Boyle said the “heart wrenching” news had shocked the Ards Peninsula community.

“It is without doubt the worst news any parents, family and family circle could have presented to them,” he said. “I know the family and in particular knew Shona for years growing up. She would have frequented my business on occasions, similar to that of many young people.

“Shona was a very capable, very intelligent, very cheerful girl who was also a great communicator. Whenever she informed me some years ago that she was studying law, I had no doubt that she would reach her potential and goal to become a barrister. To have such a promising career, really only starting out on life, and to have had this so tragically cut short is simply beyond words.

“Our thoughts and prayers are also extended to Shona’s boyfriend Simon who has had to deal with what must have been a terrible experience, being so far from home. Really he along with Shona should have been enjoying their holiday and returning home to their families and friends.”

On behalf of the entire Ards Peninsula I would like to offer our deepest sympathy to the immediate and broader Killen and Brown families and assure them of our thoughts, prayers and support at this very sad and difficult time.”

In a message of condolence from the Northern Ireland Bar, Chairman Liam McCollum QC, said: “It is with shock and great sadness that we write to inform members of the sudden passing of Shona Killen who died over the weekend while on holiday in Spain.

“Shona was called to the Bar in 2011 and was a well-known and highly respected young barrister.

“We would like to express our deepest condolences to her friends and family and we place them in our thoughts and prayers. We would also reassure them that the Bar will do all it can to support them during this most difficult time.”

Miss Killen was due to take part in the Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk, at Stormont this weekend. A Just Giving page set up by Shona had already raised £340 before she died and donations since her death have since raised nearly £600.