“The memories are always there. The hurt is always there”

TWENTY-FIVE years of tears and still eyes refused to dry as those bereaved by the Stardust fire gathered to remember lost loved ones at a special anniversary mass.

"It was beautiful but it doesn't help the pain," said Christine Keegan, who wept quietly for lost daughters, Mary, aged 19, and Martina, aged 16. "The memories are always there. The hurt is always there."

For Mick and Peggy Ffrench, who lost their son, Michael, aged 18, the annual journey to their old parish and former church for the yearly memorial service has added poignancy.