Laois school pays tribute following death of "bright and talented" former student

Mountrath Community School has paid tribute to former student Joe Drennan. 

The talented fourth-year journalism student at University of Limerick  tragically died after being struck by a car in Limerick on Friday night.

The school recalled a talented student with a “keen sense of justice for all” who was determined to make the world a better place. 

“It is with shock and deep sadness that our school community has learned of the tragic passing of our past student, Joe Drennan. 

Joe was a bright and talented student who had a keen sense of justice for all and it was apparent from his earliest days at MCS that he was determined to make a difference for the better in the world. This led him to join The Student Council where he strove to make school a better place for the students of MCS. 

He was quick to comprehend what he heard and read, and was a keen observer of people. He was eloquent and incisive in his writing and challenged the status quo without fear. 

Joe excelled as a member of the German Debating team and he also showed his proficiency in the language during a memorable trip to Germany with his classmates in December 2019.

It was no surprise then that Joe went on to study German and Journalism at The University of Limerick, where he excelled in his studies. His teachers and fellow students at MCS have followed with huge pride the work that Joe produced during his time at UL and also the many accolades that he earned - his nomination for Journalist of the Year at the Student Media Awards and his appointment as Editor in Chief of Limerick Voice News, to name but two. 

But above all, Joe Drennan truly understood the meaning of the word ‘friend’ and to be Joe’s friend always meant that you had someone in your corner who would look out for you and speak up for you even though it would have been a lot easier to say nothing. 

Joe has left this life far too soon and the world is a much poorer place for his passing. 

As a school community we extend our deepest sympathies to Joe’s Mam & Dad, his sisters and brothers and all his family & friends.  

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” Mountrath Community School wrote in an online post. 

Mr Drennan of Knocknagad, Mountrath is the beloved son of Tim and Marguerite and much loved brother to his adoring sisters Sarah, Ava and Marie, brother to Richard, John and Kieran and uncle to Ben and Evie. He will be sadly missed by his nannie Vera Bennett, and all his wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins, and Joe’s very wide circle of friends.

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Mr Drennan will repose at his  home Knocknagad (R32XE29) on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 5 O’Clock, concluding with Rosary at 8 O’Clock on each evening. Removal on Wednesday afternoon to St. Fergal’s Church Camross (R32VY79), for Requiem Mass at 3 O’Clock followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.