Advertisement

Victims of Stardust tragedy remembered on 40th anniversary

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Dublin's Stardust fire disaster. 48 people died and 214 were ...
Newsroom
Newsroom

08.27 14 Feb 2021


Share this article


Victims of Stardust tragedy re...

Victims of Stardust tragedy remembered on 40th anniversary

Newsroom
Newsroom

08.27 14 Feb 2021


Share this article


Today marks the 40th anniversary of Dublin's Stardust fire disaster.

48 people died and 214 were injured in the Artane nightclub fire, which broke out on Valentine's night in 1981.

More than 800 people attended the disco that night and despite two inquiries into the disaster, nobody has ever been held responsible.

Advertisement

A fresh inquiry into the events of that night will take place later this year, following a lengthy campaign by families.

Antoinette Keegan survived but lost her two sisters, Mary and Martina.

Stardust survivor Antoinette Keegan. Image: Newstalk

She says trying to escape the fire was an experience she will never forget.

"We were pushed to the floor, and people were running over us," she said.

"All I could remember thinking was, 'We're never going to get out, please God, help us, help us'.

"But we couldn't breathe, the smoke was that thick and it was going into your throat and stopping you from breathing.

"And then the heat and trying to hold your hand over your head because of the flames and stuff right on top of you.

"It was like being in hell, that's what it was like, being in hell and I'll never forget it.

Earlier this week, The Hard Shoulder travelled to the site of the fire in Artane in Dublin to meet with some of the families who lost their loved ones in the blaze.

They are all as determined as ever to get answers and find justice for their loved ones.

Main image: File photo shows fire damage at the Stardust disco in Artane, Dublin in February 1981 | Photo: PA/PA Archive/PA Images

Share this article


Read more about

40th Anniversary Artane Stardust Stardust Disaster Valentines

Most Popular