On the first anniversary of his death, Ellie McCarthy honours Joe’s legacy and enduring spirit.
Today, October 13, marks one year since the tragic passing of the beloved friend, son, brother and young journalist, Joe Drennan. Born in County Laois, Joe was a final year Journalism student at UL, working as the Editor-in-Chief here at the Limerick Voice when he was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident while waiting at a bus stop in Castletroy, County Limerick.
Ellie McCarthy, a close friend and classmate of Joe’s, shared her heartfelt memories with us.
“I spoke to Joe for the first time on the 13th of October 2020, which little did I know four years later that would be the day he died,” says Ellie, as she recounts how the pair first met. “When I met Joe, he wasn’t even 18 … and I remember thinking; ‘I feel like I could learn so much from him.’ He was so self-assured, and genuinely a role model in some ways.”
Ellie and Joe became friends in the first year of their Journalism course at the University of Limerick, where they instantly formed a unique connection and a friendship like no other.
“We both said it when we saw each other, it was like love at first sight. We instantly knew we were going to be friends, and the rest was history,” she says.
When asked who Joe Drennan was as a person, Ellie could only describe the 21-year-old as “a ray of sunshine.
She also touches on his immense talent regarding his journalism career.
“He was the most talented writer; he would draw inspiration from anywhere,” Ellie recalls.
Joe actively contributed to GCN (Gay Community News), where he completed his university placement. The young journalist was a force to be reckoned with as there was “nothing off limits” regarding what he wrote and who he interviewed.
“I took so much inspiration from him. I was someone who tended to overthink everything, whereas with Joe, he encouraged me to say how I feel, and that it doesn’t matter if people don’t react the way you want to. That it is not your fault. He was genuinely so wise beyond his years”.
Reflecting on the past year, Ellie spoke about grieving the loss of her friend during her fourth year of college. “I actually went about the steps to drop out,” she remarked. “I sat next to Joe for nearly four years, I couldn’t picture being in the class and not sitting beside him.
“For weeks I opted out of college. I didn’t submit any assignments. I just kind of thought, that was it, that I had died with him,” she explains.
Ellie also touches on the support she received from the Head of the Journalism Department, Kathryn Hayes and UL Chaplain, Sister Sarah O’Rourke during this time. “They told me that I need to do this for him, to continue, and that’s exactly what I did.”
Ellie has gone on to graduate with a degree in Journalism at the University of Limerick and has recently been appointed a position at the local news publication, the Limerick Leader.
“The way I describe it to people in a way is that my best friend dying is what saved my life because that’s what made me realize that life is so short. It can literally be gone in an instant, so you must make every single day count.”
Ellie also stresses the importance of keeping Joe’s legacy alive; to “spread the gospel of Joe”, which she continues to do every day, by speaking about him regularly to friends and family, posting about him on social media and actively pursuing her career in Journalism, fuelled by Joe’s passion and flair for writing.
“I can’t not have everyone know how amazing he was because then it would have all been for nothing. There are no words to describe how good of a person and friend he was”.
Gone too soon, Joe will leave a profound and lasting legacy on the Limerick Voice. His innovative ideas and bold creativity will continue to shape its future for years to come, inspiring others to think outside the box and pursue their passions fearlessly.
His impact will resonate in every corner of the publication, ensuring that his spirit lives on through the work he helped to create.
Kieran Fogarty, the man charged with dangerous driving causing Joe Drennan’s death, is due to enter a plea to several charges at Limerick Circuit Court on October 16. Judge Duffy said the case could be finalised during the current sessions of the Circuit Court. |
The Limerick Voice team extends their love to Joe’s family at this time.