The victims of the Stardust fire disaster 21 years ago were remembered yesterday in the ceremonial planting of a specially-commissioned new rose.
On the night of Friday February 13th 1981, many young people were packed into a disco in the Stardust club at Kilmore Road on the north side of Dublin. However, at about 1.40 a.m. on St Valentine's Day, the club became engulfed in a fire which claimed 48 lives and left many people disabled.
Yesterday, at the Stardust Memorial Park, Coolock, the families of the victims gathered with members of the fire service, the Garda and politicians to mark the 21st anniversary of the tragedy. A total of 24 rose bushes, bearing a specially-commissioned new rose called Stardust Memory, were planted in memory of the victims.
Mrs Christine Keegan, who lost two daughters in the tragedy, was among those present. Her daughter Lorraine planted a rose bush.
A large contingent from the fire service attended, led by deputy assistant chief fire officer Gabriel Howley, who planted one of the rose bushes.