Courts / Dublin / Report

Stardust victim was encouraged to move to Dublin to avoid the Troubles in North

Summary

The inquest into the Stardust fire was attended by Laura Millar, the sole surviving family member of victim James (Jim) Millar. She recounted that Jim's father had urged his 21‑year‑old brother to relocate from Belfast to Dublin to escape the Troubles, a decision that later haunted the family. Laura described how her younger brother Martin, then 12, blamed himself for Jim's death after a quarrel, and how the guilt lingered until his own death three years earlier. She explained that she and a friend had planned to travel to Dublin for the Stardust dance competition but did not attend, and that Jim had been living in a shared house in Dublin while saving for a home with his fiancée Marion. Laura reflected on Jim's life, his close relationship with her, and the enduring grief that has followed the tragedy. She concluded that justice may offer some solace, but the pain remains.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stardust victim was encouraged to move to Dublin to avoid the Troubles in North. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• Christmas Other
• 2023-05-16 Publication

Why: When the fire was reported the next day in the paper, there was some confusion as Jim's fiancée had phoned to say "not to worry" because Jim had said he wasn't going. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report