SINN Féin assembly member Philip McGuigan has told of how he suffered broken bones in a cycling accident.
The North Antrim representative sustained a broken collar bone and broke three ribs when he came off his bike during a race in St Johnston in Co Donegal.
The 45-year-old told of how he suddenly lost control of his bike and went over the handle bars.
Speaking to the Ballycastle Chronicle, Mr McGuigan said: "As I was flying through the air I was bracing myself not just for the impact of hitting the ground but also the impact as the wheels of other riders used my back, head and legs as a stopping ramp," he said.
"Sure enough the bang of the road was quickly followed by the wallop of other riders ploughing into me and falling over me.
"My inability to breathe properly for a number of minutes was a bit worrying. St John Ambulance staff attended to me very quickly and got me sorted so that a few of my teammates could drive me to Altnagelvin."
It is expected that his recovery will take six to eight weeks. In the meantime, he is sleeping in a recliner chair due to the discomfort.
The Dunloy man added: "I should say that my helmet did its job."
"It was cracked and now needs replaced but without it God knows what injuries I would have had," he said.
