Limerick man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of UL student Joe Drennan
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Loading... - Abel Mabbot
- 16 Oct 2024
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A man has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Joe Drennan, a 21-year-old award-winning student from the University of Limerick. The tragic incident occurred on October 13, 2023, when Mr. Drennan was waiting for a bus after finishing a shift at a local restaurant on Dublin Road in Castletroy, Limerick.
Joe Drennan was a fourth-year journalism student and the editor-in-chief of the Limerick Voice publication. He hailed from Knocknagad, Camross, Mountrath in County Laois. The accused, identified as Mr. Fogarty, faced multiple charges, including dangerous driving causing death, failing to offer assistance to Mr. Drennan knowing he was injured or deceased, failing to report the incident to the Gardaí (Irish police), criminal damage to a vehicle, and driving without insurance and a valid driving license.
During a hearing at Limerick Circuit Court, Mr. Fogarty responded "guilty" to each of the charges read out by the court registrar. The prosecution, led by John O’Sullivan BL and instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, emphasized the seriousness of the charges. If convicted of dangerous driving causing death, Mr. Fogarty could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
The case has been adjourned to December 13 for sentencing, with Judge Daly expressing condolences to Mr. Drennan's family during the proceedings. Mr. Fogarty, who appeared in court wearing casual attire, has been remanded in custody until the sentencing date.
The death of Joe Drennan has resonated deeply within the University of Limerick community and beyond, highlighting the tragic consequences of dangerous driving. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the responsibilities of drivers.
