Taoiseach 'Deeply Sorry' To Stardust Families For State Failings

Taoiseach 'Deeply Sorry' To Stardust Families For State Failings

Taoiseach Simon Harris has apologised on behalf of the State to the families and friends of those who died in the Stardust fire 43 years ago.

48 young people went on a night out to the Dublin nightclub in 1981 - and never came home.

Stardust survivor Antoinette Keegan, who lost her two sisters Mary and Martina, pictured after the 'unlawful killing' verdict was given at their inquest. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Last week, inquests into their deaths found all 48 were unlawfully killed.

The jury said the fire was caused by an electrical fault in a hot press.

27/04/2023 Dublin, Ireland. Stardust Inquest Day 3. Pictured outside the Rotunda today are today's speakers from the Stardust Inquest holding portraits of victims. (L to R) Susan Behan with portrait of John Colgan (21); Alison Keane with portrait of Jacqueline Croker (18); and Siobhan Kearney with portrait of Liam Dunne (18). Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie

It also said the exit doors were either locked, obstructed or impeded so people couldn’t get out.

And the jury said the carpet tiles on the walls and filling in the seats all contributed to the fire.