“We have a system of law, but not a system of justice”
Hundreds gathered in the University of Limerick today to show solidarity and support to the family of previous Limerick Voice Editor-in-Chief, Joe Drennan.
The #JusticeForJoe campaign comes following the sentencing of gangland criminal Kieran Fogarty, who hit Joe Drennan with a car and fled the scene in October 2023.
Fogarty was handed a six-and-a-half-year sentence for Joe’s death and eight years for a firearms offence in Limerick Circuit Court last week. Both sentences will run concurrently. The vigil aims to have the sentence imposed on Joe’s killer appealed.
Joe’s family and friends, alongside UL students and staff, filled the UL Plaza at 1.30 pm on Thursday, February 6. The sun shone as #JusticeForJoe posters were passed around.
Journalism lecturer Kathryn Hayes officially opened the event
Kathryn Hayes, UL Journalism Lecturer started the vigil by addressing the crowd, in particular, Joe’s family who made the difficult trip from Laois to Limerick to be at the event.
“Last August just behind us here in University Concert Hall, Joe graduated posthumously where he received a standing ovation from those gathered.
Today the UL community and people across Limerick have gathered to again stand with the Drennan Family and show their solidarity for their campaign which is seeking justice for Joe.”
Kathryn highlighted Joe’s legacy, and his passion for social justice and expressed how he is now inspiring others to try to make a change.
“I am very proud of our journalism students who have organised today’s event and who want to use their voices, and their journalism work to support the Drennan family’s campaign for Justice for Joe.”
“We need to see change” – Managing Editor Limerick Voice, Jack McKay
Managing Editor of this year’s Limerick Voice team, Jack McKay paid his condolences to Joe’s family and friends while expressing his frustration at the sentencing. He also highlighted how Joe’s legacy will live on for each Journalism course at UL for years to come.
“We are honouring Joe’s legacy here today. We can’t stand by his life being reduced to nothing in the eyes of the law.
“The fact that this case sentencing isn’t an isolated one. We need to see change and we need to get Justice for Joe.”
Friends and family of Joe Drennan voiced their pain and frustration
Julie Bennett, Joe’s aunt reflected on her last conversation with Joe. He was excited to return to college life: “He loved UL, he loved Limerick.”
She highlighted the need for this #JusticeForJoe campaign, explaining that “No other family should go through this pain.”
Joe’s close friends, Ellie McCarthy and Síofra Grant, were emotional while speaking in his memory. They resonated with his family’s pain. Many of Joe’s classmates gathered in his honour.
“Joe’s family were denied justice just like he was denied the rest of his life.”
UL officials took a stand of solidarity
Ronan Cahill, Student Life President at UL, said a few words on behalf of Student Life. He highlighted Joe’s community spirit during his time in UL and pledged to support Joe’s family in their fight for justice.
Dr. Gerard Downes spoke on behalf of the staff at UL, expressing their frustration at the court system. He along with many others is hoping that justice will prevail for Joe: “We have a system of law but not a system of justice..”
The emotional tribute to Joe ended with a blessing from Sister Sarah O’Rourke, a chaplain in UL’s contemplative centre. She read a blessing of courage from John O’Donoghue.
The petition set up by Joe’s family can be found at this link.
Final words Limerick Voice
The entire Limerick Voice Team would like to thank everyone who attended the vigil today, in particular Joe’s family and friends who travelled from all over the country. We will continue to stand in solidarity with you and seek Justice for Joe.