DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Louth prepares to celebrate Saint Brigid Page 2
McCann urges young people to talk to parents about social media Page 4
Dundalk FC supporters to help with Oriel Park clean-up this weekend Page 11
Wednesday, 21st January, 2026. Vol. 19, Issue 3 • 9A, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 932 0888 | Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com
Plea to help bring Gavan home By Paul Byrne
GAVAN Duffy, a cherished member and Chairman of the Classic bike Racing Ireland community, experienced a life-altering biking accident last August while competing in Gedinne Classic Races Belgium. What began as another weekend doing what he loves most— racing and supporting the sport of motor bike racing—became a life-changing event for Gavan, his wife Tracy, and their two children. Following the accident, Gavan spent several weeks in hospital in Belgium before being transferred to The Mater Hospital in Dublin, where he continued to receive
treatment for extensive injuries. He is and currently undergoing specialist rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Hospital where he has been since October. Gavan’s injuries are life-changing, and he will face a future using a wheelchair. Despite everything, he continues to show immense courage, positivity, and determination as he works hard through his rehabilitation. Last November, Gavan’s friends set up a GoFundMe page to try and raise money to help pay for major renovations to Gavan and Tracy’s house in Blackrock which would allow him to leave the National Rehabilitation Hospital and return home. Continued on Page 2
Blackrock man Gavan Duffy suffered a devastating accident while competing at the Gedinne Classic Races in Belgium. His friends have launched a fundraiser to help get him back to his home in Blackrock.