The man was struck by a small car at around 7.40pm yesterday near St John's Parish Church.

Police have been told the car may have been a Peugeot 106 or 206, or a similar vehicle.

Local priest Father Brian White, who had been saying Mass at the time, was called to help attend to the injured man.

"It just happened outside the church," he said.

"He was conscious but in pain

"These scenes are always distressing."

Fr White said that the family were "in bits" following the incident.

"You hear about these things, but whenever it arrives on your own doorstep it's just a complete shock," he said.

"You can never get used to seeing tragic scenes like that.

"At the same time we have to be there as best we can to administer whatever help we can at those times."

Father White also urged local people to remember the injured man and his family in their prayers.

"This is a very close-knit community," he said.

Police have urged anyone with information on the incident to contact them on 0845 600 8000 or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.