Courts / Ireland / Report

"Did she think of us, or did she know she was going to die?" - Sister of Stardust victim shares family's grief

Summary

At the Coroner's Court inquest into the 1981 Stardust Ballroom fire, Maria Carey, sister of 17‑year‑old victim Caroline, delivered a moving tribute. She described Caroline as a beautiful, witty, bubbly girl with a heart of gold, a talented Irish dancer who had switched to disco dancing. Maria recalled that Caroline left home on the night of February 13, 1981, to dance at the club, and that she was the only friend who did not return. The next morning, a knock on the door brought news of the fire; a Garda later confirmed Caroline's death. Maria said Caroline died from toxic fumes, not from a direct burn, and that she was still alive when a fireman tried to resuscitate her. She reflected on the lasting grief, the black cloud that settled over the family, and how Caroline's name lives on in nieces and nephews. The inquest highlighted the tragedy's impact on the Carey family and the broader community.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Did she think of us, or did she know she was going to die?" - Sister of Stardust victim shares family's grief. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 13 Other
• February 14 Other
• 2023-04-26 Publication

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report