A Tipperary town student Daniel Ryan is part of the editorial team of the Limerick Voice, a multimedia news project by journalism students in University of Limerick, which memorialises the late Joe Drennan in the latest publication. Mr Drennan, a fellow journalism student, was Editor in Chief of Limerick Voice when he died in a road traffic collision in Castletroy last October. Mr Drennan was 20 and from Mountrath in county Laois. Joe was shortlisted for Journalist of the Year at the National Student Media Awards last year, recognising his contributions to GCN (Gay Community News), where he completed his college work placement.
The Department of Journalism at University of Limerick and the Irish Times have now launched the Joe Drennan Memorial Competition for Inclusive Journalism which aims to recognise journalism that enhances understanding of marginalised communities. Entrants will be required to produce a 1,000 -1,500 word article, suitable for multimedia use. The winning article will be published in The Irish Times. The winner of the competition will also receive a perpetual trophy presented by members of the Drennan family. The competition will run annually, starting in the 2024/25 academic year. The deadline for submissions is 30 November 2024.
The latest edition of Limerick Voice features interviews with Mr Drennan’s mother Marguerite and his sister Sarah who spoke about how their family is trying to deal with the tragic death. Mr Drennan was waiting at the bus stop in Castletroy when he was fatally struck by a car. A man has been arrested and charged in relation to Mr Drennan’s death. He is currently before the courts charged with dangerous driving causing Mr Drennan’s death and driving without insurance or a licence.
