'Our hearts are broken': Tributes paid to young Laois student killed in Limerick 'hit and run'

THE YOUNG man who was killed in a hit and run in Limerick on Friday night has been named as Joe Drennan, aged 21, of Knocknagad, Mountrath, Co Laois.

Mr Drennan had only recently been appointed editor-in-chief of the Limerick Voice newspaper and was a talented fourth-year journalism student at University of Limerick. He was shortlisted earlier this year for Journalist of the Year at the annual National Student Media Awards (SMEDIAS), which honours the brightest new talent in media

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the incident, which occurred on the Dublin Road in Castletroy at approximately 9.50pm on Friday, and involved two cars and a pedestrian.

The driver of one car failed to remain at the scene. Mr Drennan, a pedestrian, was removed to University Hospital Limerick where he was later pronounced deceased.

Suspected 'hit and run' in Limerick leaves one deceased

The male driver (40s) and the female adult passenger of the second car were removed to University hospital Limerick, for treatment for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening at the time.

It is understood Mr Drennan had just finished working at the nearby La Cucina. A post on the restaurant's Instagram page yesterday morning said they were closed on Saturday due to a terrible tragedy. They said all their hearts are... followed by an emoji of a broken heart.

Cllr Elisa O'Donovan posted on Facebook: "My deepest condolences to Joe Drennan’s family and friends. Joe was a very talented and bright young man. He will be sorely missed in our Limerick community."

There have been many tributes paid on social media where Mr Drennan has been remembered as a "genuinely lovely person".

Gardaí at Limerick's Henry Street station are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them on 061 212400.