'Joe died like a dog on streets of Limerick and that lad left him there' - Joe Drennan's father

THE family of the late Joe Drennan have called for an immediate appeal against the eight-year sentence imposed on Limerick criminal gang member Kieran Fogarty whose dangerous driving killed the UL journalism student.

This Thursday afternoon, Fogarty, aged 21, of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston was before Limerick Criminal Circuit Court for judgement for four offences - dangerous driving causing death, shooting at a house, violent disorder and having drugs for sale and supply.

The offences on separate dates occurred over a six-month period in 2023.

The judge imposed a six and half year jail sentence for dangerous driving causing the death of Joe Drennan. A concurrent eight year jail sentence was handed down for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

A two year jail sentence for violent disorder is to be served concurrently. Jail terms of three years for having cocaine for sale or supply, two years of having MDMA for sale or supply, and one and half years for possession of alprazolam are also to be served concurrently.

There was confusion in the packed courtroom as Judge Colin Daly said the eight year jail sentence was to be served consecutively to the six and a half year prison term for dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Drennan. Judge Daly then said it was to be served concurrently after prosecuting barrister John O'Sullivan sought clarification.

The total of eight years imprisonment was backdated to October 23, 2023, when Fogarty first entered custody.

READ MORE: 'Disgusting': Joe Drennan's sister reacts to sentence handed down to Limerick criminal in fatal collision

Mr Drennan's parents Tim and Marguerite, spoke outside the courthouse.

“Really, really, hard to take,” said Marguerite Drennan of the sentence. 

She said the family feel “very hard done by".

Joe’ father Tim added that: “Justice doesn’t make any sense”.

“Joe was a unique individual and he basically died like a dog on the streets of Limerick on his own and that lad (Kieran Fogarty) left him there - no justice in it at all,” said Mr Drennan of the sentence imposed on Kieran Fogarty.

“We will be appealing - hopefully. We have 28 days to appeal it and the DPP has to make up their mind to do it. Hopefully it is appealed - there is no sense to it,” said Mr Drennan.