Courts / Dublin / Report
Stardust survivor tells of rescue while saying prayers
Summary
In the 2023 inquest into the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire, witnesses recounted being trapped in toilets as smoke filled the building. Deirdre Dames, aged 18, described crawling on hands and knees, hearing people outside screaming for help, and feeling the heat and smoke close to the windows. She said she prayed the Lord's Prayer and was rescued when a fireman entered. Louise Murray, also 18, was trapped in a stage‑rear toilet, inhaled hot debris, and later prayed the Our Father before firemen broke in. Breda Walsh, 19, ran into a gents toilet by mistake, fainted from smoke, and was rescued by the brigade. Helen Henby, 18, was trapped under a table, suffered third‑degree burns, and spent four months in hospital. The testimony highlighted the chaotic escape attempts and the desperate attempts to breathe and pray for survival.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Stardust survivor tells of rescue while saying prayers. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 2023-11-14 Publication
Why: She said at one point, someone opened the door and she said 'close that door fast' because the fire was coming in. CNI source report
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