Fri. Nov 1st, 2024

Limerick man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of UL student

Joe Drennan at the 2023 Student Media Awards

A 20 year-old man has plead guilty to several charges including dangerous driving causing the death of former Limerick Voice Editor-in-Chief Joe Drennan last year. 

The 21-year-old award winning UL Journalism student was killed in a hit and run incident on October 13, 2023, when he was struck by a car that mounted the footpath as he waited at a bus stop at Dublin Road, Castletroy.  

Kieran Fogarty aged 20 of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, appeared before Judge Colin Daly at Limerick Circuit Court where he pleaded guilty to ten charges arising out of the fatal incident. 

Counsel for the Prosecution, John O’Sullivan BL, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, said due to the sensitivity of the matter all 10 charges should be put to the accused.  

The charges include dangerous driving causing death; two counts of failing to offer Mr. Drennan assistance knowing that he was dead or injured; two counts of failing to report the incident to gardai; criminal damage to a vehicle and dangerous driving. 

Sentencing in the case was adjourned until December 13th next. 

Mr Fogarty, represented by Mark Nicholas SC, also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance; driving without a driving licence; failing to give appropriate information to any person who was entitled to demand such information. 

Mr Drennan’s parents Tim and Marguerite, and other family members were present in court for the proceedings. Judge Daly extended the court’s sympathies to the family.