Former amateur jockey JT McNamara has died at the age of 41.

The Irishman, who was widely known as one of the best amateurs of his generation, was left paralysed from the neck down three years ago after suffering a fall at the Cheltenham Festival.

McNamara broke two vertebrae in his neck when he was thrown from his horse Galaxy Rock in the Fluke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup on March 14, 2013.

The Limerick Leader reports that the former sportsman was rushed to University Hospital Limerick after suffering complications on Friday night.

It is understood that McNamara returned home to spend his final days with family.

The jockey, who rode Teaforthree to victory at the 2012 Cheltenham Festival, is survived by his wife Caroline, his two sons Dylan and Harry, and daughter Olivia.