Communities in Limerick and Laois 'absolutely devastated' at death of student

COMMUNITIES in Limerick and Laois have been left in “utter shock” and are “absolutely devastated” at the death of a young student in a hit and run in the city.

Joe Drennan, aged 21, of Knocknagad, Mountrath, Co Laois died after being struck by a car while waiting for a bus on the Dublin Road, Castletroy at around 9.50pm on Friday night. He had finished work in nearby La Cucina.

"It's just cruel," said Fr Joseph Brophy, parish priest of Ballyfin and Mountrath.

He said the family is very well known and highly respected through their involvement in the pub trade. Mr Drennan’s bereft parents Tim and Marguerite were in Lanzarote at the time of the collision. 

Fr Brophy told Limerick Live there is “utter shock” and “just numbness” in the locality, which sadly has already been hit by the tragic passing of another young man this year. He spoke of Adam Kirwan, also from Mountrath, who died following a road traffic incident in Thurles in March.

"Adam’s mum Lourda and Joe’s mum Marguerite were in hospital together when they gave birth to their sons. The families are friends and Marguerite was there for Lourda (when Adam passed away),” said Fr Brophy, who added that prayers were said for Mr Drennan at this weekend’s Masses.

A death notice on rip.ie said Mr Brennan was a beloved son of Tim and Marguerite, and a much-loved brother to his adoring sisters Sarah, Ava and Marie, brother to Richard, John and Kieran, uncle to Ben and Evie. He will be sadly missed by his nannie Vera Bennett, and all his wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins, and Joe’s very wide circle of friends.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

'Our hearts are broken': Tributes paid to young student killed in Limerick 'hit-and-run'

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the collision, which occurred on the Dublin Road in Castletroy at approximately 9.50pm on Friday, and involved two cars and a pedestrian.

The driver of one car failed to remain at the scene. Mr Drennan, a pedestrian, was removed to University Hospital Limerick where he was later pronounced deceased.

The male driver (40s) and the female adult passenger of the second car were removed to University Hospital Limerick, for treatment for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

Gardaí at Henry Street are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them on 061 212400.