Entries Open for Joe Drennan Memorial Prize in Journalism

Entries have officially opened for the Unheard Voices: The Joe Drennan Memorial Prize for Inclusive Journalism, an award established by the University of Limerick in partnership with The Irish Times. This initiative honors the memory of Joe Drennan, a promising journalism student who tragically lost his life in 2023.

The Drennan Prize aims to celebrate journalism that promotes social justice and fosters understanding of marginalized communities across the island of Ireland. It is open to students enrolled in various courses at third-level institutions, not limited to journalism, ensuring that a broad range of voices can participate. This initiative seeks to uphold Drennan’s legacy by encouraging emerging journalists to amplify underrepresented perspectives.

Honoring a Passionate Young Journalist

Joe Drennan, originally from Mountrath, Co Laois, was a final-year student at the University of Limerick when he was killed in a hit-and-run incident just two weeks after his 21st birthday. He was waiting at a bus stop following a shift at a local restaurant in Limerick when the tragic event occurred.

Dr. Kathryn Hayes, Associate Professor in Journalism and Digital Communication at UL, expressed the significance of the prize. “Joe’s passion was to build a journalism career grounded in inclusivity and social justice,” she stated. “We are proud that this prize, established by the journalism department at UL, honors Joe’s legacy, particularly his dedication to journalism that speaks for often unheard voices. Opening it up to students across Ireland ensures that Joe’s values will inspire a new generation of journalists nationally.”

Ruadhán Mac Cormaic, editor of The Irish Times, also emphasized the importance of the award. “The Joe Drennan prize is a fitting way to memorialize a promising young journalist who was just starting out in our trade,” he remarked. “It will create an invaluable opportunity for an emerging reporter to do work of real depth on a subject that matters.”

Submission Details and Deadline

Entrants are required to submit a 1,500-word article accompanied by relevant images and video content. The winning entry will be published in The Irish Times, providing significant exposure for the selected journalist. Submissions can be sent to [email protected], with a deadline set for May 31, 2024.

This award not only serves as a tribute to Joe Drennan but also as a platform for fostering inclusive journalism that addresses crucial societal issues and enhances the representation of marginalized voices within the media landscape.