Hundreds turn out to support GP left in ICU after hit-and-run driver knocked him off his bicycle

Hundreds of people turned up to a candlelit vigil in support of Dr Sean Owens, who is recovering in ICU after he was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver on Monday, January 6th.

He was cycling home after running a GP surgery when the serious collision happened on the R132, the old Dublin Road, between Castlebellingham and Dundalk.

Dr Siobhan Garavaglia, a colleague of his at the Clermont Health GP practice, told those who attended the vigil on Sunday evening that while Sean is in intensive care and still in a critical condition, he has shown signs of improvement, including moving his hands and legs and breathing independently.

Dr Owens, is a GP, the chair of the Climate and Health Alliance and a member of the Dundalk Cycling Alliance.

The Dundalk Cycling Alliance released a statement stating: “We are sad to tell you that a valued member of the Dundalk Cycling Alliance was involved in a hit-and-run accident last Monday, January 6th.”

“He was placed in an induced coma. He has started to come around now. He is still seriously ill. However, his prognosis is favourable,” the group said on Sunday.

The group said that Sean is a well-respected and valued member of the community, which was evident by the volume of people who attended the vigil.

Dundalk Cycling Alliance added: “The thoughts of the Dundalk Cycling Alliance members are with him and his family at this difficult time.”

John Gibbons, a well-known climate journalist and advocate, said: “Had privilege of sharing a platform with Dr Sean Owens, GP and chair of Climate & Health Alliance, a brilliant, outspoken advocate for climate action. Sean has publicly pleaded for lower speed limits. He was victim of a hit and run, is now in critical condition.”

Local media, lmfm.ie reported on Friday last that a woman was arrested and appeared in court accused of failing to stop her vehicle and offer assistance. She was released on bail pending the case progressing.

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