Celebrating a ‘pearl’ of a dance hall in Co Limerick

East Limerick is set to twist, jive and hucklebuck in celebration of one of the country’s most famous ballrooms which was destroyed in a fire last weekend.

The Oyster Ballroom in Dromkeen was completely destroyed in a fire in the early hours of last Sunday. While the building had long been used as a furniture store until last weekend’s blaze, for many the venue will forever be associated with dances dating back to 1958.

Acts ranging from Joe Dolan to Thin Lizzy played the Oyster Ballroom. On August 30, however, Brendan Bowyer, who also graced its stage, will lead a tribute to the venue in nearby Cappamore.