'Joe's story will never be forgotten' funeral of gifted Laois student journalist

The young Laois journalism student killed tragically in a hit-and run in Castletroy, Limerick has been laid to rest in Camross, after a heartbreakingly sad funeral mass where all heard of his love of life and desire to make the world a better place.

Joe Drennan from Knocknagad, Mountrath only turned 21 years two months ago, but his legacy and positive impact on others will be remembered by his family, his friends, classmates and teaching staff from the University of Limerick where he was in his final degree year.

His funeral took place in in the small church of St Fergal's in Camross, where a large congregation spilled out into the grounds sheltering under umbrellas. His family and friends sat in tears as Joe's short but fulfulling life was remembered in beautiful eulogies.

Parish Priest Fr Brian Griffin said that "Joe was a gift".

"None of us want to be here. He death was caused by reckless behavour of someone else. It's heartbreaking, it's horrible, it's really awful. Joe was a gift. A wonderful son, brother, grandson, partner, friend and colleague.

"He brought great colour to your lives. One minute the sun was shining, his parents Tim and Marguerite were in Lanzarote, his family at the match in Paris, Camross still celebrating their win, and the next minute we were left in darkness. The whole world had turned upside down.

"Joe believed in living life to the full. In a world where so many people, refugees, in Ukraine, in Gaza, people screaming out to live, he wanted not to withdraw into ourselves but to go out there and make a difference. To live live to the full, and to love, love, love. To make the world a better place. He shone so bright in this life, we say thank you to Joe for the light he gave to the world," he said.

Course Director Kathryn Hayes read eulogies both on behalf of his family, and then of the university. 

"Joe was loved and adored by so many. He was always going to be a hugger, and he could never doubt just how much he was loved. 

"He was a very hard worker and showed real drive and ambition, he was going to be a star. In college he blossomed, it was like he was two feet taller. He found his calling, to be a voice for those who needed it. He spent his time building people up.  

"In Berlin he had so many adventures and friends. It is there he found real love and joy. Santiago brought out the best in Joe, and showed him true love. His live was cut short, but it was a life," she read.

Ms Hayes said that Joe "wanted to change the world" and had just become editor-in-chief of the Limerick Voice, the university newspaper.

"He already had so many skills and was really committed to his principals. He wanted to affect change, to bridge divides, to foster a deeper understanding of marginalised communities," she said.

She described his "gorgeous infectious smile", his love of stylish clothing, and his "remarkable ability to connect".

"His life has been cruelly cut short but he leaves an enormous legacy. I know that will continue to inspire and lift all of those whose lives he touched. We know his story will never be forgotten," Ms Hayes said.

Gifts brought to the altar to represent Joe's life included his horse riding helmet, a family photo, his passport and an LGBT+ flag. Songs played included John Lennon's Beautiful Boy, while his sisters Sarah and Ava read out the lyrics to his favourite song, I Am What I Am.

Death Notices for Laois - Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Assisting in celebrating the funeral mass were Fr John Campion, Chaplain at UL, and Fr Joe Brophy, PP Mountrath. The UL Faculty Dean Sandra Joyce was among the large attendance.

Joe Drennan, of Knocknagad, Mountrath is grieved by his parents Tim and Marguerite, his adoring sisters Sarah, Ava and Marie, brothers Richard, John and Kieran, nephew and niece Ben and Evie, his nannie Vera Bennett, and his many friends and neighbours.