The family of Joe Drennan, a 21-year-old journalist killed in a hit-and-run, have expressed their anger and devastation after his killer, Kieran Fogarty, received a jail sentence that will run concurrently to a previous one.  

Fogarty, who has 46 previous convictions, including 41 for road traffic offences, was sentenced to eight years in prison for reckless driving and the illegal discharge of a firearm in Limerick City in April 2023. He pleaded guilty to all charges, and his own barrister, Mark Nicholas SC, described his actions as “appalling, undeniably serious, reckless, dangerous, disgraceful and inexcusable.”  

The court heard that Fogarty initially claimed within his statement he was unaware he had hit Joe Drennan as he apologised, but this was contradicted by evidence, including messages he sent to family members and an associate while on the run.

Believing he had killed two people, Fogarty messaged an associate saying: “I’m after killing a 21-year-old and a woman.”

He also texted his mother, writing, “What do you want me to do, go up to the (Garda) Barracks and say I killed someone?” Despite his mother urging him to admit to guilt, Fogarty remained on the run for a month before being arrested through DNA and CCTV evidence.  

Joe’s family have condemned the sentencing, saying it fails to deliver justice for the loss of their son and brother. Following sentencing, Joe’s father, Tim Drennan, questioned Judge Colin Daly, asking: “Sorry, your honour, does that mean that this fella will not serve a day for killing my son?”

“Our suffering will never end. Joe should be here,” speaking on behalf of the family, his sister, Sarah Drennan, told reporters. “My brother didn’t deserve to die, and this sentence is disgusting. We have been given a life sentence.” 

Joe’s mother, Marguerite Drennan, paid tribute to her son, describing him as “the bubble of our lives” and “the voice for the voiceless.”

Joe had been the chief editor of the Limerick Voice, a student newspaper at the University of Limerick, and was a contributor for GCN.

Joe Drennan’s family have confirmed they will be hoping for an appeal of the sentence through the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), seeking a punishment that reflects the devastating impact of their loss.