Driver accused of failing to offer award-winning journalist assistance after fatal hit-and-run

A MAN charged in connection with the death of 21-year-old student Joe Drennan in Limerick last October was charged with seven new offences this Wednesday.

In January, Kieran Fogarty, aged 20, of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston was charged with dangerous driving causing death, driving without insurance and driving without a driving licence at Dublin Road, Limerick on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Mr Drennan, who was originally from Knocknagad, Mountrath in County Laois, was an award-winning fourth year journalism student in University of Limerick and editor-in-chief of the Limerick Voice publication.

This Wednesday, Sergeant Sean Murray, prosecuting, said there were seven new charges before Limerick District Court.

Garda Oliver Gee gave evidence of arresting, charging and cautioning Mr Fogarty at Limerick Courthouse on Mulgrave Street at 10.35am this Wednesday.

Mr Fogarty is charged with failing to offer Mr Drennan assistance knowing that he was dead or injured and did so with intent to escape from civil or criminal liability; criminal damage to a vehicle and dangerous driving at College Road, Castletroy.

Mr Fogarty was charged with a second count in relation to failing to offer assistance to Mr Drennan, and failing to give appropriate information to any person who was entitled to demand such information.

Mr Fogarty was further charged with two counts in relation to failing to report the occurrence to gardai.

Garda Gee said Mr Fogarty “made no reply to any of the charges”.

Sgt Murray told the court there are now a total of ten charges.

“The DPP’s directions are for trial on indictment in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

“There is no consent to the accused going forward on a signed plea of guilty. He is in custody,” said Sgt Murray, who made an application that the matter be put back until April 16 via video link for service of the book of evidence.

Ian McNamara, solicitor for Mr Fogarty, said he was not making a bail application on behalf of his client.

Judge Patricia Harney remanded Mr Fogarty in continuing custody to appear via video link in Limerick District Court on April 16.

Mr Fogarty who was wearing a half-zip, dark navy top, black tracksuit bottoms and black trainers didn’t speak during the short procedural matter.

Members of Mr Drennan's family, including his father, were present in court.