Courts / Dublin / Report
Stardust survivor said he heard youth claim he knew who 'started' fire
Summary
During the inquest into the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire, a patron named Stephen Keogh testified that he saw about six male youths scuffling near the area where the blaze began. He described a small flame appearing a few minutes later, followed by the ceiling engulfing in flames. Keogh recounted seeing a girl running toward exit two in a ball of flame, and his attempt to open an exit door that failed. He later heard a youth, described as about 16‑17 years old, 5‑3 inches tall, well‑built with reddish blond hair, say, "It's alright, I know who started it." Keogh also noted that the youths and two others moved toward the main entrance searching for the person who had started the fire. The testimony was read into the record at the Dublin District Coroner's Court as part of the inquest into the fatal blaze that killed 48 people.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Stardust survivor said he heard youth claim he knew who 'started' fire. Charges or matters: witness statement. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-11-30 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Charges: witness statement (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
Topics
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'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request