This public library here stands as a memorial to the 48 people who lost their lives on this site in what became known as the Dromcollogher Cinema Disaster of 1926. On the night of Sunday September 5 th , 1926 at 9.15pm, the showing of a film was to take place here in the upstairs loft area of a store belonging to a local hardware shop. The time was chosen so as to allow people attend Sunday night Benediction in the Church, which many did. The films on show were to be a short film called ‘False Alarm’ and the main film called ‘The Decoy’. With a small yard area to the front, the exterior of the store facing the street was made of timber and zinc sheeting. There was a large and a smaller door at ground level. There was only one window and this was broken and patched over. There was also a door at a higher level with a steep ladder/stair leading up to it with a banister. The other three walls were stone. The roof was actually a wood and felt construction. There were some small windows at the back which were barred.
Here we present definitive research paper by Prof. Liam Irwin, of Mary Immaculate College and materials form Limerick Libraries, Museum and Archives.
