A COMPETITION named in memory of the late University of Limerick (UL) journalism student, Joe Drennan, will aim to give voice to the voiceless and create a space for stories about marginalised communities.
Mr Drennan tragically lost his life a year ago this week in a fatal hit and run incident while he was waiting for a bus on the Dublin Road in Castletroy after finishing his shift at work.
The late Mr Drennan, who was just two weeks short of his 21st birthday at the time of his tragic death, was known as an “exceptionally talented student journalist” and was the editor of UL’s student newspaper the Limerick Voice.
This week, entries opened for the Joe Drennan Memorial Competition for Inclusive Journalism, launched by the UL journalism department and The Irish Times. The competition “aims to recognise journalism that enhances understanding of marginalised communities”.
Speaking on the first anniversary of Mr Drennan’s death, Dr Kathryn Hayes, course director for UL’s BA in Journalism and Digital Communication, said “Joe was an exceptionally talented student journalist whose name will never be forgotten in University of Limerick”.
“Joe’s passion to pursue a journalism career that was dedicated to inclusivity is reflected in the stories he had published and those he had planned to write. I am delighted that this award has been established to honour Joe’s legacy, and in particular his commitment to journalism work that spoke for the often unheard voices.”
Entrants to the competition are required to produce a 1,000 – 1500-word article, suitable for multi-media use. The winning piece will be published in The Irish Times.
Mr Drennan’s mother, Marguerite, said the competition is “a wonderful tribute to his memory, he would have been so thrilled”.
“We are so very proud of Joe and what he accomplished in his life; he loved writing and UL. It makes us so proud to know that he will continue to be an inspiration for others.”
The winner of the competition, which is open to all UL students, will also receive a perpetual trophy presented by members of the Drennan family.
Entries can be emailed to [email protected] before December 13.
