Courts / Dublin / Report

Brothers of Stardust victims felt survivor's guilt after fire, inquest hears

Summary

The Dublin District Coroner's Court heard that the brothers of two Stardust fire victims, Brendan O'Meara (23) and John Stout (18), experienced survivor's guilt after the 1981 blaze. Jimmy O'Meara, 21 at the time, described Brendan as a brilliant Irish dancer who helped others and was well-liked. Jimmy said he had not gone to the club that night, was awakened by friends in blackened clothing, and later saw Brendan in a coma at Jervis Street Hospital before Brendan died ten days later. Jimmy expressed that the memory of Brendan's suffering is "tattooed" on his mind and that he feels helpless and guilty for not being there. Allison Forrester, John Stout's niece, portrayed John as a quiet, sensitive 18‑year‑old who went to the club with his girlfriend Helena Mangan.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Brothers of Stardust victims felt survivor's guilt after fire, inquest hears. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 25 Other
• 2023-05-18 Publication

Why: On the night of the fire, Brendan invited Jimmy to go with him to the Stardust, but Jimmy didn't go because he was exhausted after work. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report