Man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of UL student Joe Drennan

A man has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of award-winning University of Limerick student Joe Drennan this Wednesday.

Mr Drennan was killed at Dublin Road, Castletroy, Limerick almost exactly a year ago on October 13, 2023 while he was waiting for a bus after working a shift in a local restaurant.

Mr Drennan (pictured below), aged 21, was originally from Knocknagad, Camross, Mountrath in Co Laois. He was a fourth-year journalism student in University of Limerick and editor-in-chief of the Limerick Voice publication.

Mr Drennan’s parents and family were present at Limerick Circuit Court this Wednesday, October 16, for the procedural matter.

Kieran Fogarty, aged 20, of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston was arraigned before Judge Colin Daly.

Read Also: EXPLAINER: The almost 40-year-old law being used by gardaí to tackle far-right falsehoods

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

Mr Fogarty said “guilty” when each charge was read out by the court registrar. Mr Fogarty is charged with dangerous driving causing death; failing to offer Mr Drennan assistance knowing that he was dead or injured; failure to report the occurrence to gardai; criminal damage to a vehicle and dangerous driving.

If a person is convicted of dangerous driving causing death they can be imprisoned for up to 10 years.

Mr Fogarty also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance; driving without a driving licence; a second count in relation to failing to offer assistance to Mr Drennan; failing to give appropriate information to any person who was entitled to demand such information; and a second count in relation to failing to report the occurrence to gardai.

Mr O’Sullivan said an early date is sought.

“These are clearly matters of substance - that is clear,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Mr Fogarty was represented by Mark Nicholas SC during the brief hearing.

The case was adjourned to Friday, December 13 for sentence. 

Judge Daly extended the court’s sympathies to the family of the victim.

Mr Fogarty, who was wearing a black and grey jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and black trainers, was remanded in continuing custody.