A vet who became a TV star in BBC series about life in the Mournes, has died.
Maurice King, from Burrenbridge, Co Down, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday.
He had been at the very heart of Mountain Vets, a six-part BBC series featuring three veterinary clinics in Co Down.
And just as he gained the faith of his clients and their animals, the show made him a household favourite with viewers who watched both Maurice and his son Cahir, at work in all weathers and all conditions.
His gentle confidence, love of animals and easy manner with his patients, and his kindness to their owners, made Maurice an absolute favourite.
His busy clinic at Downpatrick’s Downe Vets, Castle Vets based in Castlewellan and the Banbridge-based Tullyraine Equine Clinic, each featured in the series.
News of his passing this week has left a deep impression on all who knew him and those who felt they had got to know him through his appearances on TV.
Viewers will remember Maurice and his colleagues as they treated and cared for all sorts of creatures from cattle to cats, dogs to donkeys, seals and even a five-legged calf, and his watchful eye on son Cahir, who shared his love of animals.
Maurice is survived by his wife Anne, sons Colin, Cahir and Maurice, grandchildren Niall, Isla, Eleri and Gabriel, and brothers and sisters.
A Requiem Mass will be celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Saul on Saturday, October 2 at 11am. Due to current regulations numbers in the church will be restricted the Mass can be viewed online via saulandballeeparish.com/webcam.
