'Threatening letter' sent to judge in relation sentencing over death of Laois student Joe Drennan

A “threatening letter” was sent to Judge Colin Daly over the sentence he imposed on criminal gang member Kieran Fogarty, who killed Laois student Joe Drennan, Limerick Live has learned.

Gardai in Limerick are investigating the handwritten letter, which was sent to the judge care of The Courts Service or Limerick Courthouse, Mulgrave Street, Limerick city.

It arrived last Friday. It is understood that letters sent to judges are first opened by Courts Service staff and don’t go directly to the judge in question. 

However, in this instance, it was brought to Judge Daly’s attention due to the seriousness of its contents.

The exact wording used in the letter is not known, however, Limerick Live has been told the letter does contain certain “threats”. Due to nature of the contents of the letter, it was handed over to An Garda Siochana.

A garda spokesperson: “An Garda Síochána is aware of correspondence received at a premises in Limerick city in February 2025. Enquiries are ongoing.”

There has been widespread criticism of the sentence given to Kieran Fogarty, who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Drennan who was waiting at a bus stop at the Dublin Road on October 13, 2012.

Judge Daly imposed a six-and-a-half-year jail sentence on Fogarty, aged 21, of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, for killing Joe Drennan. He said this would be consecutive to an eight-year term for shooting up a house as part of gangland feud.

Judge Daly then said it was to be served concurrently after prosecuting barrister John O'Sullivan sought clarification.

The Drennan family said this was “disgusting” and an “insult” as Fogarty “would not serve anything” for Joe’s death.

They say Joe was never in trouble a day in his life but now after his death he has been mixed up in serious criminality through the sentence imposed. The Drennan family started a campaign calling on the DPP to make the “right and early decision” regarding appealing the sentence.

The DPP can ask the Court of Criminal Appeal to review a sentence which she thinks is "unduly lenient’ which happened in the case of Cathal Crotty who assaulted Natasha O'Brien.

READ MORE: Calls grow for DPP to appeal sentence in Joe Drennan hit-and-run case

The Limerick Voice editorial team where Joe was editor-in-chief organised a vigil and show of solidarity on UL's campus last Thursday to support the family’s call for the sentence imposed on his killer to be appealed.

A further protest was organised by Mr Drennan’s friend and former journalism colleague Molly Cantwell in Bedford Row on Saturday afternoon.

A gathering in solidarity with Mr Drennan's family took place in Mountrath last Sunday. Another 'Justice for Joe' gathering is taking place in Mr Drennan's native Camross village this Sunday, February 16 at 12 noon.

The State has 28 days to appeal the court’s judgment.