Apology another step forward but it’s tinged with sadness
Stardust survivor to remember loved ones as State says sorry
It’s a sad day that both my parents aren’t here today
A STARDUST survivor said today’s State apology from Taoiseach Simon Harris is tinged with sadness as her parents and Charlie Bird did not live to see justice delivered.
Antoinette Keegan, who was 18 at the time of the fire, told the Irish Mirror the move is another “step forward” following last week’s unlawful killing verdicts at the Dublin District Court.
Ms Keegan’s sisters, Mary and Martina, died in the tragic blaze that claimed the lives of 48 people on February 14, 1981.
Following a meeting with the families on Saturday, Mr Harris will deliver an apology in the Dail at 2pm today.
The Irish Mirror understands the Taoiseach will task his department with preparing proposals to appropriately commemorate the disaster as requested by and in consultation with the families.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Ms Keegan said while it will be a monumental day, it will also be tinged with sadness as she and the other families remember those who have passed away.
She added: “We’ve got the unlawful killing [verdict] now on the record for the 48 victims, our loved ones. [Today] is a big day.
“It’s a step forward again [with] the public apology.
“Whatever happens after that, it’s another step forward. The truth has kicked in that they were unlawfully killed.
“We always knew that they were unlawfully killed. But to get it proven on the record was a big, big
step forward and an achievement that we’ve finally got their names vindicated and validated, all our loved ones.
“Their identity has been restored. For 43 years, they were treated as insignificant by the Irish State.
“The public was fantastic in all their support.
“Charlie Bird was really always there for us right from day dot one.
“The same with various other people like [Sinn Fein Senator] Lynn Boylan and our solicitor Darragh Mackin, who is absolutely fantastic.
“We couldn’t have done this journey without the help of everybody.
“I won’t be forgetting my mother and father
because they were
advocates and prominent in the fight for justice for the 48. It’s a sad day that both my parents aren’t here today to see the outcome that they started.
“They finished as much as they could before they passed away. ”
Ms Keegan also paid tribute to RTE journalist Bird who died last month after suffering from motor neurone disease.
She said he had hoped to be there when the jury returned its verdict after the inquest.
Ms Keegan added: “There were two things he wanted. He wanted us to get the truth. He says he lived for that day that we get the truth of what happened to our loved ones.
“Although as sick as he was, he made his way there and he was there to support us. He’s always been there.”