BREAKING: Big development in Joe Drennan case as DPP makes major decision

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has formally appealed the "undue leniency" of the sentence handed down to the man whose dangerous driving resulted in the death of Joe Drennan.

Members of Joe Drennan's family from Camross in Laois have confirmed the move to the Limerick Voice student newspaper which was edited by the Laois man before he was killed in a hit and run in 2023.

Joe's mother Marguerite said the family had been notified of the appeal.

“We got the appeal! It’s great news, thank God. We are delighted and we want to thank everyone who has helped support our campaign,” she told the University of Limerick student newspaper, which will be released alongside the Limerick Leader next week.

There had 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, 2023.

Great news #justiceforjoe
Read full report in @LimerickVoice https://t.co/dsqXjXOKWZ

— Kathryn Hayes (@Hayes_Cait) February 12, 2025

Judge Colin 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.

Community Walk for Justice in Mountrath. Picture: Alf Harvey

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.

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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. It's not the first occasion in recent times the DPP has stepped in.

IN PICTURES: COMMUNITY WALK FOR JUSTICE IN MOUNTRATH

Last year, it ordered a review on the case of soldier Cathal Crotty who assaulted Natasha O'Brien in Limerick city centre. He was initially given a suspended sentence. That was upgraded to a custodial term last month upon appeal.