The man in his 40s, was hiking with a friend, when he slipped while climbing a gully above the Ben Bulben Forest Walk.

Visiting to the affected wards is limited to compassionate grounds only, with arrangements needed in advance with the ward nurse manager.

Some of the weapons used include a walking stick, a remote control, bottles of urine and a zimmer frame.

Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe currently has 21 people waiting for a bed.

Nationally, University Hospital Limerick has the highest amount of people on trolleys today with 115.

Across all areas inspected, the hospital was found to be substantially compliant in 4 areas, partially compliant in 6 areas, and non-compliant in two areas.

Those figures are up from 528 compared to February 2023.

According to the IHCA, many patients will have often made alternative arrangements due to the length of time on the waiting list or may no longer be suitable for treatment.