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RIP
Stardust campaigner Bridget McDermott, who lost three children in the tragedy, dies aged 89
Bridget died at home surrounded by her family.
STARDUST CAMPAIGNER BRIDGET McDermott, who lost three children in the 1981 tragedy, has died aged 89.
Bridget died on Monday, 29 June at home surrounded by her family.
The fire on Valentine’s night in the popular Stardust nightclub in Artane claimed the lives of 48 young people and injured hundreds of others.
An inquest determined in 2024 that all 48 had died as a result of unlawful killing.
Three of Bridget’s children – William, George and Marcella – died in the fire.
At the inquest, William (22) was remembered as a funny and caring “gentle giant” who loved music.
George (18) was described as the joker of the family who always had a cheeky grin on his face, as well as a gentle person who got on with everyone.
Meanwhile, the McDermotts told the inquest that “happy, singing and dancing” were always the first words that came to mind when thinking of Marcella (16).
The inquest also heard that Marcella idolised her mother and couldn’t do enough for her.
She never left her job in Dunnes Stores in Talbot Street without bringing something home for Bridget, and the last thing Marcella bought her was a cream cake.
In her death notice, Bridget’s family offered their “heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Francis Hospice, Raheny for the exceptional care shown to Bridget”.
Bridget will lie in repose at Staffords Funeral Home, Golf Links Road, Portmarnock on Friday 3 July from 2pm to 4pm.
Removal on Saturday morning, 4 July to the Church of St Peter and Paul, Baldoyle, arriving for Funeral Mass at 10am, followed burial in St Fintan’s Cemetery, Sutton.
Dublin City Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha described Bridget as the “most dignified person I have ever met”.
“She never ceased to campaign for truth and justice,” he added.
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