Limerick man charged in connection with death of student Joe Drennan sent forward for trial

A MAN charged in connection with the death of 21-year-old Laois student Joe Drennan in Limerick city last October has been sent forward for trial at Limerick Circuit Court.

Kieran Fogarty, aged 20, of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston appeared before Judge Mary Cashin at Limerick District Court this Friday.

Garda Oliver Gee told Judge Cashin he served the book of evidence, containing four counts, on the accused in Limerick Courthouse.

The four charges are dangerous driving causing death, failing to offer Mr Drennan assistance knowing that he was dead or injured; failure to report the occurrence to gardai and criminal damage to a vehicle.

All four charges are in connection with the death of Mr Drennan at Dublin Road, Limerick on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Mr Drennan, (pictured below) who was originally from Knocknagad, Camross, Mountrath in Co Laois, was an award-winning fourth-year journalism student in University of Limerick and editor-in-chief of the Limerick Voice publication.

Members of Mr Drennan's family were in the district court this Friday for the brief procedural matter.

Sergeant Sean Murray, prosecuting, said the DPP consents for Mr Fogarty to be sent forward for trial to the present sitting of Limerick Circuit Court.

“There is no consent to going forward on a signed plea. There are six other tracking charges,” said Sgt Murray.

The six tracking charges to be dealt with at district court level are dangerous driving at College Road, Castletroy, 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 Fogarty “made no reply to any of the charges” a previous court heard.

Judge Mary Cashin gave Mr Fogarty an alibi warning this Friday. When asked if he understood what that is, Mr Fogarty said “yes”.

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Darach McCarthy, solicitor for Mr Fogarty, made an application for legal aid for a senior counsel and junior counsel due to the “gravity” of the charges.

Judge Cashin granted the application. Mr McCarthy also made a Section 56 order which is an application for a copy of recording of questioning by An Garda Síochána, which was granted.

Judge Cashin remanded the defendant in continuing custody to appear via videolink in Limerick District Court in a month on the six tracking charges.

The judge sent Mr Fogarty forward for trial at the present sitting of Limerick Circuit on the charges contained in the book of evidence.