A MAN was this Wednesday (October 17) remanded in custody after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of a University of Limerick student journalist in a hit and run last year.
Kieran Fogarty (20), of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, was arraigned on Wednesday on a string of charges arising out of the death of Joseph ‘Joe’ Drennan.
Mr Drennan, from Mountrath in County Laois, was waiting at a bus stop on the Dublin Road in Castletroy after finishing his work shift when Mr Fogarty ploughed into him whilst driving a black BMW car on October 13, 2023.
Mr Drennan’s family, including his parents Tim and Marguerite, were present in court, prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan told the court.
The young UL student, who was killed just two weeks short of his 21st birthday, was the editor-in-chif of the university’s student publication, the Limerick Voice.
Mr Fogarty pleaded guilty to a total of 10 counts arising out of the fatal collision including one count of dangerous driving causing Mr Drennan’s death; one count of causing criminal damage to a car at the scene; two counts of failing to offer assistance to Mr Drennan, including, in one count, knowing Mr Drennan was seriously injured or deceased; two counts of failing to report the fatal collision; one count of failing to give on demand appropriate information to Gardaí; one count of dangerous driving; one count of driving without insurance; and one count of driving without a licence.
Mr Fogarty made no reply to the charges when he was arrested, charged, and cautioned by Gardaí last year.
Prosecuting barrister, John O’Sullivan, BL, said Mr Fogarty had also offered a signed plea of guilt to a “miscellany of offences” in respect of three other separate matters.
Judge Colin Daly told the Drennan family he wished to express his sympathy to them on their loss.
Judge Daly remanded Mr Fogarty in custody for sentencing on December 13.
