Courts / Dublin / Report
Brother of Stardust victim still cannot talk about it over 40 years on, inquest hears
Summary
The Coroner's Court heard that Paul Kenny, who was present at the Stardust Ballroom on the night of the fire that killed his sister Mary, remains unable to speak about the event more than 40 years later because of the trauma he endured. Angela Kenny, Mary's sister, described the family's life before the tragedy, noting that Mary was a 19‑year‑old, kind, popular young woman who worked as a receptionist and loved dancing and fashion. She recalled the night before the fire, when Mary and her friends were preparing to go out, and the shock that followed when the family learned Mary had died. Angela detailed the family's grief, the identification of Mary's jewellery at the morgue, and the lasting impact on her parents and siblings. She expressed hope that the inquest's conclusion will bring closure to the family after more than four decades of loss.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Brother of Stardust victim still cannot talk about it over 40 years on, inquest hears. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-05-05 Publication
Why: Her brother Paul, who had also been at the Stardust dance that night, still cannot talk about it because he is so traumatised by what he experienced, their sister Angela Kenny told the inquest today. CNI source report
Places mentioned
- to walk to Coolock Garda Station
Topics
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