Laois Council backs grieving Joe Drennan's family campaign for justice

Laois County Council and county councillors are backing the grieving Drennan family from Camross in calling on the Minister for Justice to change sentencing laws.

Four councillors tabled two motions at the February council meeting covered by the Leinster Express / Laois Live. All had the same message: "Ensure that multiple sentences for serious crimes, particularly those involving loss of life, are served consecutively rather than concurrently as a matter of priority".

Councillors Conor Bergin, FG,  Barry Walsh, FG, James Kelly, Ind, and Tommy Mulligan, Ind, attend the recent Camross protest walk to Joe Drennan's graveside, led by his heartbroken family who are determined to get "Justice for Joe". 

Cllr James Kelly speaking at the Camross walk for Justice For Joe with his family.

"We are calling on Laois County Council to support this as well," said Cllr Bergin.

"In cases where there is loss of life, it's completely unacceptable that we have families who have lost loved ones, and justice is denied. The sentence is not proportionate. This person will not spend one day in prison for that sentence. I know that the law will be reviewed. It has taken a death like this to bring this to the fore. We don't want to see more families go through this," he said.

A memorial is to be erected in Limerick at the place where Joe Drennan was killed. 

Cllr Mulligan said that the Drennan family are "living a nightmare since 2023" when Joe was killed.

"It's a crazy situation with our judicial system. It's flawed. It needs to be amended. At the march it was great to see our TDs and Senator. I know the family fully appreciates the political support they have. It's important we support the Drennan family and any others facing this down the line," Cllr Mulligan said.

Cllr Conor Bergin, Senator Maria McCormack and Deputy Sean Fleming at the march.

Cllr James Kelly said he had taken part in the Mountrath march and knows the Drennan and Bennett families personally.

"The family has been empowered by this shock decision. Joe was killed in September 2023. The family waited until January 2025 for the sentence. They are shocked and angry at the decision and don't accept it. They went a route that has probably sparked the DPP to appeal. We have to applaud them for that.

Read Laois crime and court reports here.

"Tim Drennan was in hospital when the march was on with stress. Now with the appeal they have another wait of five, six or seven months. This will help, a communication from Laois County Council," Cllr Kelly said.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly said the sentence was "an insult to the Drennan family and all in the same situation".

Cllr Aisling Moran said "it's scandalous this has to be brought up. It seems to me that criminals are getting away with murder".

A letter will now issue to the Minister for Justice from Laois County Council.