A MAN seriously injured in a collision on the outskirts of Abbeyfeale this Tuesday evening has been airlifted to hospital for specialist treatment.
The crash, understood to have involved a cyclist and a van, occurred just before tea-time on the main road to Castleisland.
Emergency services, including the fire service, ambulances and gardaí, rushed to the scene and a decision was made to try to have the man transferred to hospital by air.
The Waterford Coastguard Helicopter was in the Kerry area at the time to search for a man who had been reported missing in the North Kerry area and the crew was directed to attend the scene by the control team at Valentia Coastguard.
It is believed the chopper landed in the grounds of Abbeyfeale Rugby Club and the patient, believed to be local, was removed with the assistance of a doctor and paramedics.
It is unclear at this stage if there was anybody else injured in the crash. The N21 road was closed for some time and motorists were instructed to take alternative routes.
Newcastle West Gardaí are investigating and can be contacted on 069-20650.
