Jump jockey Gary Noonan suffered "significant chest injuries" following a heavy fall in a race at Killarney last Saturday.

Racing was delayed by about 25 minutes while Noonan was attended to and ultimately taken to hospital by helicopter.

Dr Jennifer Pugh, IHRB chief medical officer, reported: "As per protocol for significant trauma of this nature, it was deemed appropriate that Gary would be transferred to Cork University Hospital for treatment. The air ambulance was the most appropriate mode of transport to assist with this transfer given the lengthy journey time by road and we are, as always very grateful for their assistance."

On social media racing photographer Pat Healy said that Noonan had suffered 14 broken ribs,a punctured lung and a broken shoulder blade.

At Killarney last Thursday week jockeys Joey Dunne and Paddy O'Brien sustained injuries in consecutive races and both required hospital transfers, which led to the final two races being cancelled.

Dr Pugh reported: "Joey Dunne did return to the weighroom area and presented with symptoms late which is not uncommon and something the IHRB Medical teams would be used to dealing with as when riders cool down some injuries can become more apparent.

"The assessment of Joey and a transfer of medical equipment between led to a short delay to the start of the following race and this was the race that Patrick O’Brien then suffered his fall.

"Patrick’s injury was more complex in nature and required time to be dealt with by the team on track before Patrick was ready to be transferred to hospital also.

"Assistance was obtained from the National Ambulance Service but with a combination of Patrick’s injury being dealt with, the IHRB Medical Officer being required for one of the transfers and the fading light with two races remaining, the raceday stewards made the unfortunate but ultimately the correct decision to abandon the final two races on the card.

"I’m pleased to report that Joey Dunne has recovered well and will return to racing in the coming days, while Patrick O’Brien sustained a fracture to his pelvis and lumbar vertebra. Patrick was discharged from hospital on Monday and will be sidelined for a number of weeks."

Dr Pugh also had news of Dylan Browne McMonagle, who took a very heavy fall in the closing stages of the first race at Bellewstown on Tuesday.

"Dylan was discharged from hospital on Thursday and has made a remarkable recovery in such a short space of time following what looked quite a serious fall. Dylan did suffer a loss of consciousness in the fall but has avoided any other significant injuries.

"As is the case with all the riders, Dylan will undergo ongoing assessment and rehabilitation which will determine his recovery time but he will be out for a few weeks.

"Our medical team work efficiently, and we rarely see a delay to racing, however on occasion it does take time to stabilise patients and to arrange for hospital transfers to take place. We are appreciative of everyone’s understanding of the need for the wellbeing of the participants to be a priority."