The Dromcollogher cinema disaster took place on this day 100 years ago, but it turns out, it didn't actually occur in a cinema.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin joined locals in west Limerick to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Dromcollogher cinema disaster.

Around 150 people had gathered to watch a film when a fire swept through the loft and 48 men, women and children lost their lives.

Even though the disaster is referred to as being held in a cinema, it was actually held in a hall in a loft, which had previously been used for meetings and gatherings in the village.

Gerry Keyes is chairperson of the Dromkallaher 26 group, which was formed to commemorate the first civil tragedy of the young Irish state, explained on The Pat Kenny Show on Saturday morning just how crowded the place was as everyone wanted to see this new fad called moving pictures.

He explained: "It was full, very full. So full, in fact, that we do know that people came and were turned away. They were sitting on what we know as benches, they were called firms then.

"They were sitting on the partition to the side, they were standing in the space, any spaces in the aisle, standing at the walls.

"They were actually sitting behind the screen, would you believe it? Some people were watching the film from behind the screen."

The screening was the first being held by a new business created by William "Babe" Ford who had planned to travel the country, bringing movies to people who lived in towns and villages.

Unfortunately, awareness of the hazards and precautions against fire were lacking, and the film reels that had been taken off the projector were left on a table, which had some candles on it for light, and a candle was knocked over and set the film on fire.

Attempts were made to extinguish the flames but alas, the flames spread rapidly through the hall, and the only exit was engulfed in flames.

At the time, the population of the village was only around 500 people, so with a death toll of 48, that's nearly one-in-ten, and had a huge impact on Dromcollogher.

Speaking at the commemoration in Dromcollogher today, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: "I commend you, the people of Dromcollogher, for your strength of character in maintaining that memory of the suffering of your forebears.

"It is the same strength of character, I am certain, that sustained the villagers to go on in the aftermath of such an overwhelming disaster.

"Following Dromcollogher, and other tragedies in later generations, we have learned many lessons about fire safety and applied them in our building codes and laws.

"And aside from that, there is another important lesson to take from the disaster, I believe. And that is on the fragility and preciousness of life.

"It is a reminder to us to cherish our family, our friends and our community and never to take for granted their value and centrality in our lives."

Main Image: Dromcollogher Cinema Disaster commemorative stamp, Picture by: An Post/RollingNews