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Arson allegation added 'insult to injury', woman orphaned by Stardust fire tells inquest

Summary

Lisa Lawlor, orphaned when her parents died in the 1981 Stardust fire, testified at the Dublin Coroner's Court inquest that the earlier arson allegation added insult to injury. She described growing up in the shadow of the disaster, recounting how she was left alone in the house after her teenage babysitter fled when the fire was reported. Lisa recalled her parents' last night, their decision to stay longer at the disco, and their failure to escape the blaze. She spoke of the trauma endured by her family, including drug addiction and the deaths of her grandparents shortly after the fire. Lisa expressed that the arson claim further harmed the victims' memory and that she hopes justice will finally be served for her parents. The inquest focused on the personal impact of the tragedy rather than legal outcomes.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Arson allegation added 'insult to injury', woman orphaned by Stardust fire tells inquest. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 14, 1981 Other
• April 4, 1977 Other
• 2023-05-09 Publication

Why: She said when news of the fire broke, her teenage babysitter ran out of the house because a member of her family was at the disco. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report