The making of the Stardust documentary series was an unforgettable experience for the RTÉ Documentary Unit team, Shauna McGreevy explains.
Three years in the making, Stardust gave us an in-depth understanding of the horrendous tragedy that took place on Valentine's Day 1981 and the strength, perseverance and sheer determination of the families that took on the fight for justice. As Phyllis McHugh who lost her daughter Caroline in the fire, stated "they wanted us to just go away… but we didn’t go away.".
It is hard to believe, but the camera first rolled on this back in September 2019 when a long-awaited inquest was announced at Buswell’s Hotel. The documentary was in the early stages of development, but it was important to capture this landmark moment. The families had been campaigning for this over many years, in their search for answers as to what and why this happened to their loved ones. The 1982 inquest had been very limited with many questions left unanswered. Moreover, a tribunal of inquiry had concluded that the fire was caused by "probable arson", a finding that left the families devastated. Now they were getting a new inquest. Then Covid arrived, the world stopped and the inquest was delayed!
Our team continued to develop the documentary even though the timeline was uncertain.
The plan was to follow the inquest for its duration but this was only going to be part of a story that spans over four decades. We decided it warranted a three-part documentary series. A key aim was to give the definitive account of this tragedy, telling it through the eyes of the families who lost loved ones as well as survivors. We were also keen to hear testimony from first responders present on the night.
Early research involved reaching out to families. Hours were spent in back gardens and at kitchen tables as we met the most open, forthcoming people – the McDermott family, Antoinette Keegan, Pat Dunne, Errol Buckley, Maurice and Phyllis McHugh, Jimmy Fitzpatrick. We also met Phyllis Campbell, who had worked at the venue on the night of the fire, and Valerie Deasy, a survivor on the night. We were honoured that each of them were ready to share their stories in this medium for the first time.
It was clear that the tragedy at the Stardust was as raw and painful as ever. The production team were so moved by what we heard. The more we got to know the families, the more we became invested in their story. We knew it was going to be challenging to be so immersed in something of this nature, but recognised how vital it was to document this story in the most thorough way possible.
We met with first responders and medical staff such as nurse, Geraldine Healy and firefighter Dermot Dowdall, who gave harrowing accounts of what they witnessed that night.
Between 2021 and 2023, we filmed a series of interviews with our contributors, who bravely detailed the events of the night in question and its aftermath. It was very tough to go through this on camera, but all felt it was very important to do so.
In April 2023 the inquest finally began and the last year of filming revolved around it. We became very familiar with the Pillar Rooms at the Rotunda Hospital, which hosted proceedings.
The first few weeks were particularly moving as families courageously delivered their pen portraits, where they stood up and spoke about the person they lost. It was an opportunity to give an identity and personality to that individual. There was not a dry eye in the house as family after family paid tribute to their loved ones. It was such a fundamental part of the inquest that we felt it should be documented for future generations, hence the idea to produce a pen portrait project as an accompanying piece to the documentary series.
Nobody knew how long the inquest would take. It ended up lasting a year - the longest in the history of the state! It was an arduous process for the families, as they heard exhaustive evidence from hundreds of witnesses. We were not allowed to film inside the court but our contributors gave us their thoughts and reflections on the testimony they heard, such as when Eamonn Butterly, the former manager of the Stardust, took to the stand, or fire experts gave their evidence.
The jury went out on the 3rd of April 2024. After 11 days of deliberations, it was time to deliver the verdict. The Pillar Rooms were packed, the tension amongst those present, palpable. When the ruling of unlawful killing was announced, the eruption of cheers was unlike anything we had ever witnessed. Tears of relief and joy flowed. To be present for such a monumental moment was a real privilege.
We were unable to complete the documentary before the inquest had concluded. It was essential for us to know the outcome. Armed with that knowledge, it was time for the team to retreat to the edit suite and finish the series.
For all involved, working with the families of the Stardust tragedy is something that will stay with us forever. To be able to tell this story in what we hope is a comprehensive manner has been an extremely challenging and fulfilling experience. We hope it contributes to the legacy of the 48 victims of the Stardust in some shape or form.
Watch Stardust - the Documentary on RTÉ 1 and on RTÉ Player
Click here to view the Pen Portraits.
