Plaque revealed in memory of student Joe Drennan who died in Limerick

“A BELOVED son, brother, uncle, gifted journalist and cherished friend”.

The words on a plaque which will be unveiled in memory of Joe Drennan next month.

The University of Limerick student lost his life after being knocked down at a bus stop on Dublin Road, as he was waiting to go home following his shift at a nearby restaurant.

Gangland criminal Kieran Fogarty has been before the courts, with the Director of Public Prosecutions reviewing the severity of the sentence handed down.

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In the wake of this, City East Fianna Fail councillor Catherine Slattery was contacted by Joe’s uncle Richard, who requested the memorial on behalf of the Drennan family who live in Co Laois.

Across Limerick and further beyond, people donated to an online appeal she set up.

Now, Cllr Slattery has received the custom-made plaque, and plans to install it at Dublin Road later this month.

“Forever 21 years young,” it reads.

“May you rest in peace on your journey home.”

A picture of talented journalist Joe smiling is also emblazoned on the plaque, which his family provided the wording for.

Cllr Slattery said: “The plaque is beautiful it is very suitable in memory of Joe. It is distinctive and striking just like Joe was. I'm delighted I was able to do this for Joe's family as a memorial. It needed to be done for Joe's family and friends in Limerick. It will be a place to go and remember him.”

The plaque cost around €700, but Cllr Slattery raised significantly more than this through the online donation page.

The balance will go to Joe’s grieving family to do with it as they wish.

It’s expected they will be back down in Limerick to witness the unveiling.