Courts / Dublin / Report

Jury hears evidence of 'tragic young couples perishing together' in Stardust fire

Summary

An inquest jury heard that 48 people died in the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire, many of whom were young couples who perished together. Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane explained that the identification of victims was distressing, often relying on jewellery or clothing due to fire damage. Pathologists Dr Richard Shepherd, Dr Nat Cary and Dr Benjamin Swift reviewed post‑mortem evidence, concluding that most deaths were caused by rapid incapacitation from inhalation of fire fumes and heat. Specific cases mentioned include Helena Mangan (22) and her boyfriend John Stout (18), Julie McDonnell (20), Caroline McHugh (17), David Morton (19) with girlfriend Martina Keegan (16), Kathleen Muldoon (19) with Gerard McGrath (21), George O'Connor (17), Brendan O'Meara (23) who was removed alive but died from complications, Margaret Thornton (19) with Murtagh Kavanagh (27), and Paul Wade (17) who was identified later by DNA.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jury hears evidence of 'tragic young couples perishing together' in Stardust fire. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 25 Other
• Monday, January 22 Other
• 2024-01-17 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report