The 1926 Drumcollogher cinema fire: A tragedy remembered 100 years later

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the American Irish Historical Society (AIHS) will host an online discussion to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1926 Drumcollogher Cinema Fire.

The event, titled "The 1926 Drumcollogher Cinema Fire: Loss, Remembrance, and Commemoration 100 Years Later," will feature Dr. Martin Walsh, an esteemed historian, and Project Officer for the Oral History Project at the University of Limerick. The talk will take place via Zoom from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM EST.

Dr. Walsh will delve into the tragic events of September 5, 1926, when a fire swept through a makeshift cinema in the upstairs loft of a building in Drumcollogher, Co. Limerick, claiming the lives of 48 men, women, and children. This devastating loss reverberated not only across Ireland but also within the global Irish diaspora, eliciting condolences from world leaders like King George of England and Irish President W.T. Cosgrave, as well as communities far and wide.

Beyond recounting the historical events, Dr. Walsh will share insights from his research, which focuses on the emotional trauma experienced by survivors and the extended community. Funded by the Royal Irish Academy, his project aims to connect with Irish Americans whose ancestors may have preserved personal accounts or correspondence relating to the fire.

Walsh’s expertise extends beyond this project—he is the author of A Biography of Jesuit Richard Devane (2019) and An Oral History of the University of Limerick (2023). Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with him during this commemorative discussion, shedding light on how this tragedy shaped the collective memory of Irish communities worldwide.

The event is free, but registration is required to access the Zoom link. To register or learn more about the American Irish Historical Society and its initiatives, visit AIHSNY.org. Join the AIHS to reflect on this somber chapter in Irish history and honor the lives lost.