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Dromcollogher Centenary Commemorative Programme officially launched

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Minister O’Donovan announces the launch of the Dromcollogher Centenary Commemorative Programme

The launch of the Dromcollogher centenary Commemorative Programme is set to mark the 100th anniversary of the Dromcollogher cinema fire

Dromcollogher26 volunteer group hopes to ensure the victims of the Dromcollogher Cinema Disaster are honoured on the 100-year anniversary of the tragedy

The launch of the Dromcollogher Commemorative Programme to mark the 100th anniversary of the Dromcollogher cinema fire, in which 48 people tragically lost their lives, has been officially launched

In March 2025, Minister Patrick O’Donovan announced the establishment of a working group, with strong local representation, to support planning for the centenary commemorations. A Town Hall meeting was subsequently convened in Dromcollogher to gather local views and ensure that the commemorative programme reflects the wishes and sensitivities of the community most directly affected.

The Department, in collaboration with the local community, Limerick City and County Council, the National Archives of Ireland, the Office of Public Works (OPW), and other stakeholders, has developed a commemorative programme guided by the established principles underpinning the State’s approach to commemorations.


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The principal event will be a formal State-led commemoration in Dromcollogher, County Limerick, on Saturday, 5 September 2026, accompanied by a wider programme of national and community initiatives.

Speaking today Minister Patrick O’Donovan said, “I am very proud to be able to announce this commemorative programme today. The people of Dromcollogher have never forgotten the tragic events of 100 years ago. In that fire, people lost parents, children, siblings, friends, neighbours. A full tenth of the town was wiped out in a single night, and it is my sincere hope that this programme and commemoration will honour both the dead and the survivors in a respectful and meaningful way. We want it to be rooted in the community of Dromcollogher and I want to give particular thanks to Gerry Keyes and the Dromcollogher 26 community group for their work and dedication thus far in the planning of the commemoration.”

The group aims to have the memory of those who lost their lives passed on to future generations, the group are appealing to members of the public for their support. Photo via dromheritage.ie

Gerry Keyes, chairman of the Dromcollogher 26 Group said, “The announcement of a state commemoration for the people who died in the Dromcollogher Cinema Disaster is very warmly welcomed by the group in Dromcollogher who are working to commemorate this event at the time of its centenary in September. It will be a fitting and respectful tribute to the 48 people who lost their lives here and to all the families whose lives were impacted. This honour to the memory of the people who were lost also serves to recognise the historical importance of this tragedy and will help ensure that this event of local and national significance is not forgotten.”

The Programme includes a State-led Commemoration which will take place on Saturday, 5 September 2026 in Dromcollogher; a National Archives of Ireland Exhibition will present an exhibition centred on the Dromcollogher Disaster Relief Fund Collection; a Dromcollogher Disaster Online Archive will see Limerick Libraries develop a permanent online archive containing historical and archival material relating to the fire; a national commemorative postage stamp will issue on 3 September 2026; and a programme of locally led community initiatives will take place throughout the commemorative period in partnership with local organisations, community representatives and Limerick City and County Council.

Other events include a community-based creative programme involving schools, older residents and local groups; a series of historical initiatives are also planned; a theatrical production of The Bellringer, by Charlie McCarthy exploring themes of grief, memory and remembrance will be staged in Dromcollogher during the commemorative period; a commemorative avenue of 48 oak trees, one for each victim of the fire, will be established in Dromcollogher as a permanent memorial; and conservation and restoration works will include enhancement of the victims’ mass grave and associated memorial features.

Consideration is also being given to the development of enhanced community and visitor facilities associated with the existing library site and the historical significance of the former cinema location.

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Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.