A Youghal man with a ‘heart of gold’ is in critical condition in Malta after he was hit by a car while on holiday with his wife.

A pensioner with a "heart of gold" who has a special relationship with Malta after he donated a historic Naval crest to the country is fighting for his life after being knocked down while holidaying in the resort town of Sliema.

A historic naval crest lay in Irish homes for over 60 years with the owners oblivious of its significance to Malta’s heritage.