Michael Healy-Rae has come out and said that he has “been through the wars” but he’s alright after a cow attacked him on Sunday evening.

The Independent TD for Kerry South was speaking on Newstalk and is to be released from hospital today.

“I had done the week in politics then I came home… the cow had just calved and she was always very quiet.

“She got me unaware and gave me a good aul going over. Then she got me on the ground, giving me a right doing.”

The last thing I remember was her standing on my face.

Healy-Rae said that his son Kevin was nearby in another shed and that a friend was in a pen. Only for them he wouldn’t be here, he said.

“I’ve a few broken ribs and things. Whatever type of head I have it must be fairly strong – I’ve no broken nose or bones but I have bruising.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank so much everyone who has been so kind to me over the last number of days since my accident.

“I am so thankful to the management and staff in Cork University Hospital for their great care since Sunday and also to the Gardai who were so good to me and my family on Sunday night.”

I have to get out of here [Cork University Hospital] today, I’m sore but I’ll be able to keep going.

Healy-Rae said that he thought he was good and cautious and he made a mistake but that he was one of the lucky ones and if one good thing comes out of this, if it makes one person stop and think, it’s good.

As for the cow and the calf, he said that they are being minded in his absence.