Laois family's petition for justice attracts thousands of signatures in a day

An online petition started as part of the Justice for Joe campaign has secured thousands of signatures in a day. 

Joe Drennan’s brother Kieran Drennan launched the “Petition to Reform Consecutive Sentencing Laws in Ireland for Crimes Involving Loss of Life” in the wake of the concurrent sentence handed down to the hit and run driver who killed his brother, Camross native, Joe Drennan(21) in Limerick in October 2023. 

Kieran Fogarty(21), Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick was given a six and a half year sentence for the hit and run that claimed Joe’s life. A judge directed that the sentence, which was handed down last week, should run concurrently with an eight year sentence Fogarty was given for shooting at a house. 

The Drennan family expressed disgust at the concurrent nature of the sentence and want the DPP to appeal the decision. 

They also want to see an end of the use of concurrent sentencing in cases where lives have been lost.   

Speaking on Friday, Joe’s brother Richard Drennan expressed his appreciation to everyone who was supporting his family. He said he was pleased with the response to the petition. 

“It is only live a day and a half and at this stage… 6,971 signatures since yesterday morning. It is great to get them,” Richard remarked. 

“We, the undersigned, call on the Irish Government and the Minister for Justice to amend the current sentencing laws to ensure that multiple sentences for serious crimes, particularly those involving loss of life, are served consecutively rather than concurrently.

Why is this important?

Under the current system, multiple sentences are often served concurrently, meaning offenders convicted of multiple serious crimes, may not serve a full and proportionate sentence for each offence. This can lead to injustices where multiple victims and their families do not see appropriate accountability reflected in sentencing,” the petition explains. 

The petition is available online here. 

Meanwhile, a 'Justice for Joe' walk will take place on Saint Fintan's GAA grounds in Mountrath In memory of Joe.

It aims to encourage the DPP to appeal the concurrent sentence handed down and everyone is welcome to come along and show solidarity with the family. The walk is taking place on Sunday, February 9 at 1pm.

The Justice for Joe campaign held a vigil in University of Limerick- where Joe was a fourth year journalism student- on Thursday and a second vigil is due to take place at Bedford Row in Limerick City this Saturday, February 8 at 2.30pm.