'Joe was the best of us' - Limerick student journalists mourn 'inspirational' Laois leader
University of Limerick media students have paid a heartbreaking tribute to their editor-in-chief Joe Drennan from Laois who lost his life tragically in a hit-and-run incident.
The young Camross had only recently led his team in the launch of a new season of editions of the Limerick college newspaper the Limerick Voice as Editor in Chief.
The shocked team of reporters paid tribute to their Laois leader on Monday, October 16 on social media.
"Our hearts are broken. Joe was the best of us. Our Editor in Chief, our classmate, our friend. You are in our hearts forever," they posted.
Just a few short weeks earlier, Joe joined his colleagues on October 9 to launch the new season of editions of the publication with the start of the 2023/24 academic year. More below tweet.
Dr Kathryn Hayes, course director of BA Journalism and Digital Communication and assistant professor of Journalism, said Mr Drennan was an "inspirational student".
“We are absolutely devastated in the journalism department and in the wider UL community to learn of the tragic death of our student Joe Drennan. Our heartfelt sympathies are with Joe’s family at this terrible time and all of his classmates and many dear friends.
"Joe was an inspirational student and a hugely talented young journalist, who had a bright career ahead. He was passionate and creative and will be sorely missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him," said Ms Hayes.
Joe will be laid to rest on Wednesday, October 18 in Camross.