Courts / Ireland / Report
"Enjoy the dancing" - Last words to loving sister who died in Stardust tragedy
2023-04-26
Hearing Or Decision
Summary
At the opening of the inquest into the 1981 Stardust Ballroom fire, Maria Byrne, sister of 19‑year‑old Paula Byrne who perished in the blaze, spoke about the last words her family said to Paula before she left for a dance competition that night. She recalled the family's farewell: "Goodbye, have a good night in the Stardust, enjoy the dancing." Maria described Paula as a peacemaker, people‑loving, loyal, kind and beautiful, and noted that Paula had been named after a boy the family expected, but the birth of a girl changed the name. She recounted the frantic search for Paula after the fire, the media coverage, and the eventual realization that Paula was gone. Maria expressed that the tragedy's pain cannot be erased and welcomed the inquest as a step toward preventing a repeat of the disaster, hoping justice will prevail.".
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Enjoy the dancing" - Last words to loving sister who died in Stardust tragedy. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- February 14, 1981 Other
- 2023-04-26 Publication
Places mentioned
- Rotunda Hospital
Topics
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