Acclaimed Irish folk artist Emma Langford has joined award-winning journalist Molly Cantwell in her debut release, paying homage to the late Laois-native and student, Joe Drennan.

The pair have covered Joni Mitchell’s ‘River’, and will be donating all proceeds to Gay Community News (GCN).

On 13 October 2023, Limerick-based GCN and Limerick Voice journalist Joe Drennan was tragically killed in a hit-and-run, two car collision.

“Joe was destined for greatness,” said Cantwell of her colleague.

“He was a force to be reckoned with. His passion, talent, charisma, and absolute grá for his work was so evident in absolutely everything he did, and so incredibly enviable.

“The student journalist was so passionate about his work with GCN and as Editor-In-Chief of Limerick Voice. He was so determined to build a powerful future for himself. All of us at Limerick Voice and in his class in UL knew there was no question he would be the one walking into a much sought after job at the end of our degree.

“There are no words to describe the incredible loss we constantly feel as a class and as a group of young journalists. You never expect something like this to land on your doorstep, to read an article that’s about the loss of your dear friend, or to be lost for words when it’s words that brought us all together.”

Joe Drennan and Molly Cantwell in The Limerick Voice launch video.

The track ‘River’ was chosen by Cantwell while she was walking by the Shannon river - a spot that Joe adored.

She then approached Langford with the idea, who quickly jumped on board, along with a multitude of Limerick creatives willing to donate their time.

Joining in on the charity single are Aaron Griffin (Waterdogs) on guitar, Nora Casey on harp, Emer O’Flaherty on piano, and Aoife Hennessy on backing vocals/harmonies.

The track was recorded by Chris Quigley in studio space donated by Dylan Flynn and the Dead Poets, mixed by Marty Ryan of Anna’s Anchor, and mastered by Richard Dowling at Wav Mastering. The single artwork was designed by Limerick-based Tiffany Glenn.

 “I decided on a whim that this would be the perfectly dramatic way to honour Joe at a time of year that is so painful for so many,” added Cantwell. "It was – and still is – amazing to see how many people wanted to remember Joe in this way and who were so willing to donate their time and services for nothing in return.

“I’ve spoken to Joe’s family about this release, and they are so grateful that this can be something we remember Joe with and raise money for a cause so close to his heart."

‘River’ will be available on Bandcamp only until 2024, before being released on all streaming platforms.