Burnley FC legend airlifted to hospital: Jimmy McIlroy latest

Mr McIlroy (80) complained of feeling light-headed as he played at Clitheroe Golf Club on Wednesday afternoon.

He was checked over by a retired doctor who was also on the course and taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital where he underwent routine tests but was sent home a few hours later.

Yesterday (Thursday) he said he was feeling better and ready to get back on the golf course.

Mr John Cook, a friend and golfing partner of the former Northern Ireland international, said: “We were playing our normal round of golf, which we do most days, and he didn’t feel too well.

“He felt unwell on one of the tees. I told him to have a little rest for a minute. Then we carried on a few minutes later.

“He continued to feel unwell so he sat down on the ground. Fortunately one of our playing partners is a retired doctor and he quickly had a look at him.

“He said Jimmy seemed OK but we called the clubhouse to send down a vehicle. They called an ambulance and the air ambulance arrived to take him to hospital where they did some tests.”

Speaking from his home yesterday, the ex-footballer said: “I was there for a few hours but they didn’t keep me in. I feel OK and ready to play golf again now.”