Boy, 10, airlifted to hospital and cyclist seriously injured after crashes in Shannon and Meath

The incident in Shannon occurred at around 2.10pm at Purcell Park in the town. Picture: Press 22

A young boy has been airlifted to hospital and a cyclist has been hospitalised with serious injuries following separate road traffic collisions in Clare and Meath on Sunday. 

The incident in Clare occurred at Purcell Park in Shannon at around 2.10pm. It is understood the boy was struck by a vehicle.

A passer-by drove the short distance to Shannon Fire Station to alert firefighters who had been hosting an open day at the time. Fire crews promptly mobilised to the scene around 300 metres from their base.

The National Ambulance Service and gardaí also responded to the incident.

The HSE's Cork-based Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS) air ambulance was also requested to attended the scene. The helicopter, Helimed 01, was able to land in a playing field close to the scene.

The seriously injured child was transported by ambulance to meet the helicopter and airlifted to University Hospital Limerick for treatment.

The area around the scene was cordoned off while the stretch of road where the collision occurred was closed to traffic. The vehicle involved in the incident was also covered with tarpaulins.

The road will remain closed overnight pending completion of a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators on Monday morning.

Diversions have been put in place while a local walkway has been opened up to facilitate local traffic.

Gardaí at Shannon are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

Meath crash

Earlier on Sunday, gardaí and emergency services responded to a serious collision involving a car and a cyclist on the R125 at Phepotstown in Kilcock, Co Meath at around midday.

The cyclist, a man in his 60s, was transported from the scene by ambulance to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown. His injuries have been described as serious. 

The occupants of the car involved did not require immediate medical attention.

The scene has been preserved for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local traffic diversions are in place.

Gardaí have issued an appeal for witnesses. 

Any road users who may have been traveling on the R125 between Dunbyone and Kilcock at the time, and who possess camera footage, have been requested to provide this footage to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information on the Meath crash should contact Ashbourne Garda Station at 01-8010600, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800-666-111, or any Garda Station.