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

THE YOUNG man who was killed in a hit and run in Limerick city on Friday night has been named as Joe Drennan, aged 21, of Knocknagad, Mountrath, County Laois.

Mr Drennan had only recently been appointed editor-in-chief of the Limerick Voice (student) newspaper and was a talented fourth-year journalism student at University of Limerick. 

He was shortlisted earlier this year for Journalist of the Year at the annual National Student Media Awards (SMEDIAS), which honours the brightest new talent in media.

Dr Kathryn Hayes, course director of BA Journalism and Digital Communication and assistant professor of Journalism, said Mr Drennan was an "inspirational student".

“We are absolutely devastated in the journalism department and in the wider UL community to learn of the tragic death of our student Joe Drennan. Our heartfelt sympathies are with Joe’s family at this terrible time and all of his classmates and many dear friends.

"Joe was an inspirational student and a hugely talented young journalist, who had a bright career ahead. He was passionate and creative and will be sorely missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him," said Ms Hayes.

A video to accompany the launch of the return of the award-winning Limerick Voice newspaper was only released two weeks ago. Poignantly, the last words were Mr Drennan's who said: "Stories that speak".

The Award-winning Limerick Voice newspaper is back! Featuring a new panel of diverse and award-winning journalists across a plethora of subjects and areas, we are sure to keep you informed on everything Limerick! Be sure to check us out! https://t.co/HoT2U9DoDp pic.twitter.com/0ojwRco77c

— Limerick Voice (@LimerickVoice) October 2, 2023

A statement by UL President Professor Kerstin Mey, circulated to the campus community reads: "We hold Joe’s family in our thoughts especially his parents Tim and Marguerite and his brothers John, Richard and Kieran and sisters Eva, Sarah and Marie.

"Our sympathies go out to all of Joe’s journalism classmates and lecturers, to his housemates, friends and fellow UL students and the many others who will be so devastated by his loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the collision, which occurred on the Dublin Road in the Castletroy area of the city 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 at the time.

It is understood Mr Drennan had just finished working at the nearby La Cucina restaurant. A post on the restaurant's Instagram page yesterday morning said they were closed on Saturday due to a terrible tragedy. They said all their hearts are... followed by an emoji of a broken heart.

Local councillor Elisa O'Donovan posted on Facebook: "My deepest condolences to Joe Drennan’s family and friends. Joe was a very talented and bright young man. He will be sorely missed in our Limerick community."

There have been many tributes paid on social media where Mr Drennan has been remembered as a "genuinely lovely person".

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