Stardust inquest: 'Calling those children arsonists was the worst thing they ever did to us'

New inquests into deaths of 48 young people in Artane nightclub in 1981 got under way this week

Lorraine, Suzanne, and Antonette Keegan: Lost relatives Mary and Martina Keegan in the Stardust fire. They are pictured at the Coroner's Court inquest into the Stardust tragedy this week. Picture: Gareth Chaney

The new Stardust inquests began on Wednesday this week in Dublin District Coroner’s Court — an investigation into the cause of death of each of the 48 young people, an investigation into what caused the fire, and the actions of the State thereafter.

Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane told those present she would not be bound by the findings of previous inquiries into the tragedy, still the largest fire disaster in the history of the State.