A journalism award has been established in memory of Joe Drennan, the UL journalism student killed tragically in 2023, by the University of Limerick in association with The Irish Times.
Entries are now open for Unheard Voices: The Joe Drennan Memorial Prize for Inclusive Journalism, which will celebrate journalism that advances social justice and enhances understanding of marginalised communities and values.
Open to students in third-level institutions studying for all courses – not just journalism degrees – throughout the island of Ireland, the Drennan Prize will honour Joe’s legacy and encourage emerging journalists to amplify underrepresented voices.
HONOURING JOE’S VALUES
A native of Mountrath, Co. Laois, Joe was a final year journalism student in UL when he was killed just two weeks after his 21st birthday. He was standing at a bus stop on his way home from working in a restaurant in Limerick when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver.
“Joe’s passion was to build a journalism career grounded in inclusivity and social justice,” said Dr Kathryn Hayes, Associate Professor in Journalism and Digital Communication at University of Limerick.
“We are proud that this prize established by the journalism department in UL honours 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.”
Entrants are required to submit a 1,500-word article, along with images and video. Submissions will be judged on impact, originality, depth of investigation, quality of research and reporting, and standard of writing.
Ruadhán Mac Cormaic, editor of The Irish Times, said that the Joe Drennan prize “is a fitting way to memorialise a promising young journalist who was just starting out in our trade. It will create an invaluable opportunity for an emerging reporter to do work of real depth on a subject that matters.”
The winning entry will be published in The Irish Times.
Entries can be submitted to Kathryn.hayes@ul.ie – the closing date is May 31, 2026.
