Michael Ffrench News Today

Taoiseach Simon Harris issued apology in the Dáil on Tuesday, as those most affected by February 1981 tragedy looked on

The Taoiseach delivered a State apology to the Stardust families following their 43-year fight for justice

‘It is to our great shame that State processes heaped misery upon tragedy for the Stardust families,’ said Harris.

FIVE bereaved mothers, silver-haired and frail, sat side by side at the table directly below the Coroner.

Last April, fresh inquests into the deaths of 48 people in the 1981 fire began. They concluded today as the jury returned its verdicts

Last April, fresh inquests into the deaths of 48 people in the 1981 fire began. They concluded today as the jury returned its verdicts

The club was packed with around 800 people before tragedy struck, claiming the lives of a staggering 48, and injuring over 200. The deaths were today ruled by a jury as unlawful killing.

Forty-eight people lost their lives as a result of the Stardust fire. Most were just teenagers and almost all of the victims were from the Dublin 5 area, mostly Coolock, Raheny and Artane. Here are their stories:

The inquest into the deaths of 48 people in a fire at the Stardust nightclub on February 14th, 1981 was the longest in the history of the State

Forty-eight people died in the 1981 Dublin nightclub fire.