THE mother of a journalism student who was killed in a hit and run last year said that “a light has gone” out in her family’s life.
Joe Drennan (20), who was editor-in-chief of the University of Limerick (UL) student newspaper Limerick Voice, was standing at a bus stop last October when he was hit by a car and fatally injured.
In the wake of his tragic death, UL’s journalism department launched the Joe Drennan Memorial Competition for Inclusive Journalism in association with The Irish Times, which “aims to recognise journalism that enhances understanding of marginalised communities”.
Mr Drennan’s mother, Marguerite Drennan, told the Limerick Voice that her son’s sudden death has left her and her family “hurt, angry, sad, and broken”, describing it as being “like a boulder sitting on our chests”.
Joe Drennan was shortlisted for Journalist of the Year at the National Student Media Awards last year, recognising his contributions to GCN (Gay Community News), where he completed his college work placement.
“He wanted to change the world, he was so determined and focused and knew exactly what he wanted from life. There is no doubt in my mind that he would have succeeded because he wasn’t afraid to go for it,” Ms Drennan added.
Kieran Fogarty (20), of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick, was arrested by Gardaí in connection with the investigation into Mr Drennan’s death and is currently before the courts charged with dangerous driving causing Mr Drennan’s death and driving without insurance or a licence.
Ms Drennan said she and her family were “so grateful to University of Limerick for honouring Joe in this way. The writing competition is a wonderful tribute to his memory”.
Details of the competition were unveiled at the launch of the award-winning Limerick Voice, produced each year by journalism students at UL.
Dr Kathryn Hayes, associate professor in UL’s journalism department, said that, as Limerick Voice editor-in-chief, Mr Drennan urged student reporters to “find a voice that they themselves had not heard before”.
“We believe this competition will help contribute to a more inclusive and diverse media landscape and is a fitting tribute to Joe,” Ms Hayes said.
The winner’s article will be published in The Irish Times and requires entrants to produce a 1,000 to 1,500-word article suitable for multimedia use.
Speaking at the launch, Mark Hennessy, Irish Times Ireland and Britain editor, said: “The Joe Drennan Memorial Competition serves not only as a tribute to the life of a young journalist whose passion for social justice was cut short, but also as a beacon for more inclusive journalism.”
“This competition will honour Joe Drennan’s spirit of curiosity and empathy, and I’m sure the entries will challenge stereotypes and foster a deeper understanding towards marginalised communities, ensuring that their voices will be heard.”
The winner of the competition will also receive a perpetual trophy presented by members of the Drennan family.
