Calls for justice grow as supporters demand harsher sentencing for Joe Drennan’s killer
A large crowd gathered in Bedford Row, Limerick City, on Saturday, February 8, for a vigil in memory of Joe Drennan, a 21-year-old University of Limerick journalism student who was killed in a hit-and-run in October 2023. The event was marked by grief, frustration, and calls for justice as the crowd demanded a harsher sentence for his killer, Kieran Fogarty.
Following the vigil, emotions ran high as the crowd marched through O’Connell Street, holding ‘Justice for Joe’ signs. The march reflected the deep anger and frustration over the sentence handed down to Fogarty, who was given six-and-a-half years for dangerous driving causing death and eight years for separate firearm offences, to be served concurrently. This means he will serve no additional time for killing Joe, a fact that has been widely condemned by his family and the public.
Natasha O’Brien, who spoke at the vigil, voiced the anguish of the Drennan family, saying, “Joe’s family should be grieving, but they are not able to do that. They have to fight and fight.”
Growing #JusticeForJoe – movement
The vigil was part of a growing movement calling for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to appeal what many believe is a lenient sentence. The Drennan family has been vocal in their disappointment, with Joe’s father, Tim, stating that the law appears to be “weighted towards the criminal”.
A ‘Walk for Justice’ was held in Joe’s hometown of Mountrath, Co. Laois, on Sunday, February 9. More than 1,000 people gathered to show their support.
The Drennan family has since launched a petition calling for a change to consecutive sentencing laws in Ireland for cases involving loss of life. They continue to push for a stronger legal response.