Man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of UL student Joe Drennan

A man has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of an award-winning man. University of Limerick student Joe Drennan this Wednesday.

Mr Drennan was killed in Dublin Road, Castletroy, Limerick almost exactly a year ago, on October 13, 2023, while waiting for a bus after working at a local restaurant.

Mr Drennan (pictured below), aged 21, was from Knocknagad, Camross, Mountrath in Co Laois. He was a fourth year journalism student at the University of Limerick and editor of the Limerick Voice publication.

Mr Drennan’s parents and family were present at Limerick Circuit Court on Wednesday October 16 for the procedural matter.

Kieran Fogarty, 20, of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, was arraigned before Judge Colin Daly.

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John O’Sullivan BL, prosecuting, instructed by State Counsel Padraig Mawe, said that due to the sensitivity of the case all 10 charges should be brought against the accused.

Mr Fogarty declared himself “guilty” when each charge was read out by the court clerk. Mr Fogarty is charged with dangerous driving causing death; failing to offer assistance to Mr Drennan knowing he was dead or injured; failure to report the event to gardai; criminal damage to a vehicle and dangerous driving.

If a person is found guilty of dangerous driving causing death, they can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 10 years.

Mr. Fogarty also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance; driving without a driving license; a second count of failure to assist Mr. Drennan; failing to provide appropriate information to any person entitled to require such information; and a second charge relating to failing to report the event to gardai.

Mr O’Sullivan said an early date was being sought.

“These are clearly substantive issues, that’s clear,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Mr Fogarty was represented by Mark Nicholas SC during the brief hearing.

The case was adjourned until Friday, December 13 for sentencing.

Judge Daly expressed the court’s sympathies to the victim’s family.

Mr Fogarty, who was wearing a black and gray jacket, gray tracksuit bottoms and black trainers, was remanded in custody.