Hundreds of people turned up to a candlelit vigil in Blackrock to offer prayers and support to hugely popular local GP Dr Sean Owens, who is recovering in ICU after he was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver last Monday (6th January).
Dr Sean, who is originally from Co. Down was cycling home from his GP surgery in Clermont Health beside the Fairways Hotel when the accident on the R132 (old Dublin Road) in Dromiskin.
Those who attended the vigil on Sunday evening were given the good news that although Sean was still in intensive care in the Mater Hospital and still in a critical condition, he was showing signs of improvement which included breathing independently and moving his arms and legs. Dr Sean’s colleague Dr. Siobhan Garavaglia addressed the crowd to give them an update on his condition.
“While visits into ICU are very restricted, both Irene (Sean’s wife) and brother Maurice have been staying in Dublin all week and have been able to see Sean everyday. He has been receiving the best possible care from a highly skilled team of doctors and nurses, to which Irene and Sean’s family are hugely grateful.
“The most recent update from the ICU today is that Sean is breathing on his own, he has opened his eyes and he is moving his feet and hands. Although Sean is still in a critical condition in ICU this is a hugely positive step. Irene has been overwhelmed by the amount of messages and calls she has received from people that know Sean and have offered prayers and thoughts for his recovery.
Sean is well known in the Dundalk and Blackrock area as a keen cyclist and is a member of local group Dundalk Cycling Alliance. They have released a statement complimenting those who organised the vigil in Blackrock.
“We are sad to tell you that a valued member of the DCA was involved in a hit and run accident last Monday 6th Jan 2025.
“Sean was cycling on his way home after running a GP surgery when he was hit by a car which failed to stop after the accident on the Commons Road near White House Cross.
“Sean was initially taken to the Lourdes hospital in Drogheda. He was then transferred to the Mater hospital for surgery. He was placed in an induced coma. He has started to come around now. He is still seriously ill however his prognosis is favourable.
“There was a candle lit vigil for Sean this evening, Sunday, at 17:30 hrs at the Sundial in Blackrock.
Sean is a well respected and valued a member of the community which was evident by the fact that there was in excess of 1000 people attending the vigil. Our complements to the musicians and his colleagues and friends who organised this event.
“The thoughts of the Dundalk Cycling Alliance members are with him and his family at this difficult time,” concluded the statement.
Last Friday Gardaí confirmed that a lady in her 30’s from Dunleer had been arrested and appeared in court in Ardee last Friday morning. She was accused of failing to stop her vehicle and offer assistance. She was released on bail.