Courts / Dublin / Report

Stardust floor manager tells inquest he thought fire was started deliberately

Summary

During the Stardust nightclub inquest, floor manager Phelim Kinahan testified that he believed the February 14, 1981 fire was deliberately started to distract barmen and allow a robbery of the bars. He confirmed there were six exit doors, with the main door always staffed and five others locked or chained to prevent unpaid entry. Kinahan said the practice of locking doors was deemed too expensive to staff each one. He recalled a conversation with barman Eamon Butterly, who allegedly said "the bastards started a fire," and he interpreted this as a plan to distract staff. Kinahan denied remembering any smoke or sparks weeks before the fire. Witnesses, including waitress Elaine Stapleton and DJ Colm O'Brien, described seeing smoke and a small fire early in the night, panic among patrons, and difficulties with exits and lighting. The inquest continues tomorrow.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Stardust floor manager tells inquest he thought fire was started deliberately. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 14, 1981 Other
• February 14 Other
• 2023-06-22 Publication

Why: Mr O'Brien said he left the toilets, but he couldn't see very much because of the smoke, so he felt his way along the backstage to exit three. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Theft

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report