Campaigners across Ireland are demanding justice for Joe Drennan, following what has been described as a “disgusting” sentence for the man responsible for his death. A demonstration has been organised to highlight the need for sentencing reform, with calls for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to appeal the ruling. The demonstration, entitled Justice for Joe, will take place on Saturday, February 8, at 2.30pm. The meeting point for the demonstration is Bedford Row in Limerick City. 

Joe, a talented journalism student, editor of Limerick Voice, and a beloved contributor to GCN, tragically lost his life due to the reckless actions of Kieran Fogarty. Fogarty, who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing Joe’s death, was already disqualified from driving at the time and had an extensive criminal record, including 46 previous convictions—41 of which were related to road offences. Despite this, the sentence handed down has been widely criticised as insufficient.  

Molly Cantwell, a close friend of Joe and co-editor of Limerick Voice, is among those leading the charge for justice. “The sentence handed down in the Limerick court is not justice and does not reflect the enormity of the crime Kieran Fogarty committed,” she stated. Campaigners are calling for Fogarty’s sentence for Joe’s death to be served consecutively to his existing prison term, rather than concurrently. 

 

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Demonstrations are taking place nationwide, with University of Limerick (UL) students holding a public vigil on Thursday, February 6, in Joe’s memory. Jack McKay, Deputy Managing Editor of Limerick Voice, described Joe as “a journalist with a keen sense of justice.” He added: “We want to show our solidarity with the Drennan family and help raise awareness for their campaign.”  

Joe’s family has confirmed that they are seeking an appeal through the DPP to ensure that the punishment truly reflects the devastation of their loss. Speaking on behalf of the family, Joe’s sister, Sarah Drennan, expressed their heartbreak: “Our suffering will never end. Joe should be here. My brother didn’t deserve to die, and this sentence is disgusting. We have been given a life sentence.”  

The Justice for Joe Demonstration is just one of the ways supporters can get involved. You can also show support by signing the petition advocating for an appeal in Joe’s case and as a call to reform concurrent sentencing laws in Ireland. You can sign the petition here.