New Journalism Prize Launched to Honor Joe Drennan’s Legacy

The University of Limerick, in collaboration with The Irish Times, has announced the creation of a new journalism prize named after Joe Drennan, a promising student tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident in October 2023. Drennan, who was a fourth-year journalism student from Mountrath, County Laois, served as the Editor of the student newspaper, Limerick Voice, and contributed to GCN (Gay Community News).

Unheard Voices: The Joe Drennan Memorial Prize

The award, titled Unheard Voices: the Joe Drennan Memorial Prize, aims to celebrate Drennan’s commitment to “legacy and inclusive storytelling.” While the prize is organized by the journalism department at the University of Limerick, it is open to all third-level students across Ireland, regardless of their field of study.

Participants are encouraged to submit a 1,500-word article, accompanied by images and videos. Entries will be evaluated based on their impact, originality, depth of investigation, quality of research, and writing standards. The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2024, with entries accepted via email at [email protected]. The winning piece will be published in The Irish Times and the winner will receive a trophy during their tenure as the prize holder.

Honoring Drennan’s Passion for Inclusivity

Ruadhán Mac Cormaic, the editor of The Irish Times, expressed that the competition is a meaningful way to honor Drennan, a young journalist who had just begun to establish his career. He stated, “It will create an invaluable opportunity for an emerging reporter to do work of real depth on a subject that matters.”

Dr. Kathryn Hayes, Associate Professor in Journalism and Digital Communication at the University of Limerick, highlighted Drennan’s aspiration to cultivate a career rooted in inclusivity and social justice. “We are proud that this prize established by the journalism department in UL honors Joe’s legacy, particularly his dedication to journalism that speaks for often-unheard voices,” she noted. By opening the prize to students nationwide, the initiative aims to inspire a new generation of journalists who align with Drennan’s values.

This memorial prize not only commemorates Drennan’s life and work but also serves as a platform for young reporters to explore impactful stories that resonate with diverse communities. The University of Limerick and The Irish Times hope that this initiative will foster a culture of inclusive journalism, reflecting the ideals that Joe Drennan championed during his time as a student.