Courts / Dublin / Report
Unique developments at Stardust Inquest as witness allegedly heard speaking off camera
Summary
During a recess at the Stardust Inquest, former floor manager Phelim Kinahan was heard on a microphone speaking to an off‑camera person who claimed the nightclub doors were locked on the night of the 1981 fire. Kinahan replied that he was not responsible and that the doors were not locked. The coroner warned that this was second‑hand evidence. Earlier, Kinahan said he did not remember the doors being locked, but later he described a policy of keeping doors locked for about an hour after midnight. He also noted that chains were sometimes wrapped around bars to give the impression of being locked, a practice that could jam doors. The inquest will hear further evidence from the head doorman and other witnesses tomorrow. The proceedings remain at the evidence‑gathering stage.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Unique developments at Stardust Inquest as witness allegedly heard speaking off camera. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 14, 1981 Incident
- 2023-06-21 Publication
Why: Mr Kinahan replied that the impression given was that the doors were locked because there was a chain over the bar. CNI source report
Places mentioned
- Rotunda Hospital
Topics
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