Stardust victim Susan Morgan's family and friends joined by Bloody Sunday families

The Bloody Sunday Trust and Bloody Sunday families have been joined by the family and friends of Susan Morgan from Derry who tragically lost her life in the fire in the Stardust nightclub in Dublin in 1981.

The inquest into the deaths of 48 people who died in the fire begins tomorrow (Tuesday, April 24, 2023).

Maeve Mc Laughlin, Director of the Bloody Sunday Trusts said:  "These families have been let down by successive Irish Governments in securing truth and justice for their loved ones. On Tuesday we will see the first step in the legal process which will hopefully deliver justice for these families.

"There is a strong bond between the Bloody Sunday Families and the Stardust families over many years and we will walk with them every step of the way.

"In a symbol of solidarity, we have erected a plaque in the Museum of Free Derry with all the names of the 48 people who lost their lives."

Antionette Keegan, Stardust family said: "On Tuesday, April 25, the families of the deceased 48 victims of the Stardust Disaster will meet up at 9.30 am in the Garden of remembrance, as the Inquest starts at 11am.

"We will walk hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder to the Pillar Rooms, Rotunda Hospital in solidarity for Justice for the 48 victims who were killed in the Stardust Disaster, 14th February 1981.

"The Stardust Inquest is the biggest inquest in the history of the Irish State as it still remains the Stardust Disaster is the biggest disaster in the history of the Irish state.

"Families will read their pen portraits describing their loved ones who died on St. Valentines day. This will be a very emotional day for the families reading their pen portraits and also the families in attendance listening. It is a national disgrace that it has taken us families of the 48 victims 42 years to get to this point of the Inquest being re opened. While we are happy that our day has come to getting truth and justice for the 48, we are also saddened by the fact that the two very important people whom were instrumental in getting us to this stage are unfortunately not here today to witness all their efforts of succession with the reopening of the inquests," said Antionette Keegan.

Antionette added that she would be speaking on behalf of her family, the Keegan family, Antoinette Keegan, John Keegan, Lorraine Keegan, Suzanne Keegan, Neville Keegan and Damien Keegan.

She said: "We stand tall and are so proud today that finally although both are parents John and Christine Keegan are not here today, we commend them with great pride and honour that they both made this day happen for Justice for the 48 victims of the Stardust, because through their life time on this earth They both Never Gave Up. They were amazing campaigners for Truth and Justice for the 48. They too can Never be forgotten.

"The families are asking the public to come and join them on Tuesday 25th and support them throughout this inquest.

"We would also like to thank the Dublin GAA team, Christy Moore, Charlie and Claire Bird, Bloody Sunday families, the Hillsborough Families, the public, and everyone through the world for their huge support they have afforded us families and pray we get Truth and Justice very soon."