Courts / Dublin / Report

Christy Moore reads pen portrait of Stardust victim

Summary

In the early hours of 14 February 1981, a fire broke out in the Stardust Ballroom in Artane, killing 48 people. Relatives of the victims are calling for an end to the decades of uncertainty surrounding the tragedy, hoping the current inquest before the Dublin District Coroner's Court will finally bring closure. During the preliminary stage of the inquest, held in the Pillar Room of Rotunda Hospital, pen portraits of the deceased were read. Singer Christy Moore read a portrait of 17‑year‑old Richard Bennett, written by his mother Helen and sister Elaine. Helen described Richard as mature, a breadwinner who had left school at 15 to support his family, and noted his job installing fire extinguishers. She recalled the shock of seeing the smoke at the Stardust and the subsequent search for his body, which was later identified. Helen expressed that the family still seeks answers and justice after 40 years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Christy Moore reads pen portrait of Stardust victim. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-05-03 Publication

Why: She said Richard was very mature for his 17 years, as he looked older and acted older than he was probably because he had to grow up fast. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report