Memorial to Laois student Joe Drennan planned for place of his death in Limerick

A memory plaque is likely to be erected to remember Laois student Joe Drennan on the spot where he was tragically killed in Limerick.

The appeal for a memorial from his uncle Richard looks set to be realised after Limerick Fianna Fáil councillor Catherine Slattery was contacted by him. She is to set about raising the €700 needed through her Facebook page.

Local people responded with €1,200 has been secured, and the leftover money will go to the University of Limerick student’s family in Laois.

“The family have provided the words and the picture which will be on the plaque,” explained Cllr Slattery.

She admits she did not know Joe personally, but said she was taken in by his “infectious” smile.

“It lit up his whole face. Personally, I didn't know Joe, but I’m sure the people who did will never forget that smile,” Cllr Slattery added. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The councillor added she is not looking for recognition or praise herself.

“I am just doing the right thing for the family to get them a memorial for Joe on the spot where he died. To raise awareness and let people know what happened to this poor young man,” she said.

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Cllr Slattery thanked those who responded including The Number Three Pub, Rathbane Golf Club, plus Shane O’Hanlon and Dean Patterson who run their own firms.

The journalism student lost his life after being knocked down by a driver at the bus stop on Dublin Road in October 2023.

The 21-year-old had just completed a shift at La Cucina restaurant and was awaiting the bus to take him home.

Joe's family have mounted a Justice for Joe campaign to have the sentence for the criminal who caused his death to be appealed and for the rules and consecutive and concurrent sentencing to be changed in serious offences.