PICTURES: 'Night at the Dogs' fundraiser launched to raise funds for commemoration of Limerick tragedy

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DROMCOLLOGHER26, the group commemorating the Cinema Disaster have launched their upcoming 'Night at the Dogs' event which is due to take place in August.

At the well-attended gathering at the community hall in Dromcollogher, the organisers were joined by major sponsors, advertisers, supporters, media, group members and representatives from the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust. The 'Night at the Dogs' will take place at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday, August 16, where the whole eleven races on the card for the night have been secured for Dromcollogher26.

Dromcollogher26 is the name of the group who are taking the lead in arranging for the commemoration of the Dromcollogher Cinema Disaster in September 2026. This disaster refers to the awful tragedy that occurred on September 5, 1926 when 48 men, women, boys, and girls died in an accident in Dromcollogher. The people had been attending a film show in an upstairs loft when fire broke out. The fire quickly engulfed the building and all those trapped inside leading to huge loss of life. 

The local group feel the memory of the 48 people who died needs to be honoured at the time of their centenary. Their story, and that of the survivors and local families, needs to be accurately and sensitively told and recorded. The Dromcollogher26 group is totally dependent on donations and money raised from fundraising events.

READ MORE: ‘Night at the Dogs’ to raise funds for commemoration in Limerick

The group is engaging with local and state organisations to advance plans for commemoration. The 'Night at the Dogs' presents an opportunity for business and community to play their part in ensuring that the 100 year anniversary of the Dromcollogher Cinema Disaster can be marked in a significant way.

Business leaders have already come onboard to undertake the major sponsorship for each of the eleven races on the programme. Many of these sponsors were in Dromcollogher for the launch as well as some of the advertisers who have already signed up. Dromcollogher26 is targeting the sale of thousands of €10 tickets to the 'Night at the Dogs' and nominators will also be sought for each runner. Everyone attending will get a full-colour booklet, including the race card. Full page adverts in this Race Night Booklet are now being offered to businesses for just €100. Advertisers will also get complimentary admission passes.

The 'Night at the Dogs' offers a great social night out. Facilities at the Limerick stadium are to the highest standard with bar and food outlets in spacious, comfortable, and indoor surroundings. There are also indoor screens and tote to follow the racing as well as full access to the track and parade ring on the night. Children go free and they will have face-painting, a disco, and balloon-modelling for amusement. They will also get to mingle and take pictures with the cartoon characters from Paw Patrol.

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