A man was remanded in custody on Wednesday after pleading guilty to dangerous driving that resulted in the death of a student journalist in a car crash last year.
Kieran Fogarty, 20, of Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick, was charged on Wednesday in connection with the death of Joseph “Joe” Drennan.
Drennan, from Mountrath, Co. Laois, was waiting at a bus stop when Mr Fogarty drove into him driving a black BMW on October 13, 2023, killing him.
Mr Drennan’s family, including his parents Tim and Marguerite, were present in court during the “delicate” case, prosecutor barrister John O’Sullivan told the court.
Mr Fogarty pleaded guilty to a total of 10 charges arising from the fatal collision, including one of dangerous driving causing Mr Drennan’s death; one count of causing criminal damage to a car at the scene; two counts of failing to offer assistance to Mr Drennan, including, in one case, knowing that Mr Drennan had been seriously injured or had died; two counts of failure to report a fatal collision; one count of failing to provide adequate information to gardaí upon request; one count of dangerous driving; one driving meter without insurance and one driving meter without a driving license.
When gardaí arrested, charged and cautioned him last year, Mr Fogarty did not respond to the allegations.
Prosecution barrister John O’Sullivan BL said Mr Fogarty had also entered signed guilty pleas to “various offences” in relation to three other separate cases.
Judge Colin Daly told Drennan’s family he wished to express his “sympathy” for their loss.
Judge Daly remanded Fogarty in custody for sentencing on December 13.