Saturday 31 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 18879Fatal fire · Co. Dublin · 14 Feb 1981

Stardust inquest jury shown graphic footage of the 1981 fire

A fire at the Stardust nightclub in Dublin killed 48 people in the early hours of 14 February 1981. Among the dead was Josephine Glen, who had been with patron Pauline Murray that night, and no suspect or charge is recorded in the facts. On 14 December 2023, the inquest at the Dublin District Coroner's Court was shown audiovisual material from the night, which the coroner described as extremely graphic, while witnesses and manager Eamon Butterly gave differing accounts of whether the exit doors were locked or open. The inquest has concluded for the year and will resume on 9 January.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court14 Dec
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A fire at the Stardust nightclub killed 48 people.
When
The fire took place in the early hours of 14 February 1981.
Where
The inquest is being held at the Dublin District Coroner's Court.
Other details
  • Josephine Glen was among those who died in the fire.
  • Josephine Glen was with patron Pauline Murray on the night of the fire.
  • Pauline Murray told the inquest she saw smoke on the ceiling before she ran to get her friend Josephine.
Cause
Witnesses told the inquest that exit doors were chained and locked that night, while Eamon Butterly said in a television clip that every single door was open.
Investigation
The jury was shown audiovisual material from the night of the fire, which the coroner described as extremely graphic.
In court
  • The material was shown to the jury on 14 December 2023.
  • The inquest has concluded for the year and will resume on 9 January.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe fire killed 48 people in the early hours of Valentine's Day, 1981. (thejournal.ie)
  • whereThe inquest is being held at the Dublin District Coroner's Court. (thejournal.ie)
  • causeWitnesses told the inquest that exit doors in the nightclub were chained and locked that night. (thejournal.ie)
  • investigationIn a television clip shown to the jury, manager Eamon Butterly said that every single door in the nightclub was open. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe jury was shown audiovisual material of the night of the fire, which the coroner described as extremely graphic. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtThe inquest has concluded for the year and will resume on 9 January. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherPatron Pauline Murray told the inquest she saw smoke on the ceiling before she ran to get her friend Josephine. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherJosephine Glen, who was with Pauline Murray that night, was among those who lost their lives. (thejournal.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 14 Dec2023
    In courtthejournal.ie, first report
    Stardust Inquest jury shown 'extremely graphic' material from night of fatal Stardust fire

    Reports the inquest jury being shown graphic material and witness evidence from the night of the fire, and that the inquest will resume on 9 January.

    victim, Josephine Glen, irish (judged from name)Josephine Glen