Two years ago today, October 13, Joe Drennan was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident while waiting at a bus stop in Castletroy, County Limerick.
Like the rest of us at Limerick Voice, Joe was a student in the University of Limerick, studying journalism. Many things set him apart, though. His dauntless reporting, his penchant for telling untold stories, and his unending charisma.
As a second-year student at the time, I vividly recall the launch video of the 2023/2024 edition of Limerick Voice. It was immediately clear that they were set to produce an immensely impressive paper, particularly with Joe as Editor-in-Chief.
Joe never got to see the finished product of that year’s Limerick Voice, due to the reckless driving of his killer. Kieran Fogarty was sentenced to just six and a half years for Joe’s murder – running concurrently with an eight-year sentence for a separate incident.
Joe’s family and friends have spent the past two years fighting for justice. Amid their grief, their strength has been nothing short of inspiring and they have solidified Joe’s legacy forever.
A number of journalism awards have been launched in memory of Joe. These include the ‘Joe Drennan RSA Award’ at the National Student Media Awards, and the Joe Drennan Memorial Competition, established in association with the Irish Times.
Due to the endless and brave campaigning of the Drennan family, as well as the wider community, Fogarty’s sentence is set to be appealed on November 6. Limerick Voice will be there to report on the hearing.