Hundreds of young people, in houses across Dublin city, suburbs, and beyond. Some married, some dating, many single. Grabbing handbags and throwing on glad-rags, heading out for a night of dancing, singing and hanging out with friends.
Most in their teens or 20s, the images below capture bright eyes and eager smiles, faces filled with promise.
For more than four decades, survivors and relatives have pursued their relentless quest for justice for the 48 people who lost their lives when the Stardust was engulfed in flames in the early hours of Valentines Day, 1981.
The youngest victim was just 16 years old. The oldest was 27.
More than 200 others sustained sometimes life-changing physical injuries.
No-one escaped the psychological trauma inflicted by the events of that night. Survivors, loved ones, and an entire nation were left bewildered and stunned by the scale of the devastation.
The loss of life was catastrophic, incomprehensible, and seared the tragedy into the consciousness of - not one, but - several generations.
Families across the island mourned, but the heaviest blow was dealt to the communities in and around the Stardust, for whom the club was a fixture, and who lost dozens of their children in the blaze.
The names of those young people who's lives were cut short that February night are recorded below.
Michael Barrett
Michael Barrett was 17 years old. He arrived at the Stardust at around 9pm, and was helping the DJs on the night. At the time of the fire, he was last seen standing on the left of the stage. Michael's body was identified on 17 February using dental records. His cause of death was given as inhalation of fire fumes.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett was also aged 17. Singer Christy Moore is seen here holding his photo. Richard arrived at the Stardust with friends at about 11.30pm that night, and was last seen alive at their table. His exact location when the fire broke out was never established. Richard's remains were not identified prior to burial, when the cause of death was determined to have been rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat. Using DNA, his identity was confirmed in 2007.
Carol Bissett
Carol Bissett, who was 18 years old, arrived at the Stardust at 11.20pm with two friends. She was on the dancefloor when the fire became visible and, together with her friends, followed the crowd as it rushed towards exit five. Carol was alive when she was removed from the Stardust and rushed to the Mater Hospital. At 7.35am on 18 February she was pronounced dead, her identity having been confirmed by her father. Carol's cause of death was given as complications from burns, and inhalation of fumes.
Jimmy Buckley
The family of Jimmy Buckley are seen here, gathered around a photo of the 23-year-old. Jimmy arrived at the Stardust at around midnight with his wife Christine. The pair were joined by friends in the north alcove, five tables from exit one, where Jimmy was last seen alive. His brother, Errol, won the dance competition that night. Christine identified Jimmy's remains at the city morgue on 15 February using his wedding ring. He died after rapid incapacitation was caused by inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Paula Byrne
Paula Byrne was 19 years old. She and her friends got to the Stardust at approximately 11pm and sat together in the north alcove. When flames were first noticed, she was dancing close to the stage. Paula was identified on 17 February using dental records. Her cause of death was given as inhalation of fire fumes.
Caroline Carey
Maria Carey is seen here with a photo of her sister, Caroline, who was 17 years old. Caroline and her boyfriend arrived at the Stardust with some friends just after 11.15pm, and took seats in the north alcove. After the fire became visible, Caroline and her boyfriend tried to leave the building, but could not get out. They took refuge in the toilets. Caroline was pronounced dead at 3.30am at Richmond Hospital. Her remains were identified at the city morgue by her uncle. Caroline died following rapid incapacitation due to inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
John Colgan
John Colgan arrived at the club with friends at around 11.30pm. He was 21 years old. The group sat up the back of the north alcove. John went back to get his coat because his car keys were in it, and was last seen alive being pulled towards exit five, which was just 15 feet away from him. John's remains were identified at the city morgue by his uncle from a bracelet and watch he had been wearing. His cause of death was given as rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Jacqueline Croker
Jacqueline Croker was 18 years old. She got to the club at around midnight and took a seat at a table in the north alcove. She was last seen running across an aisle after the fire erupted. As she tried to flee, Jacqueline tripped and fell. Her remains were identified at the city morgue by her fiancé, who recognised Jacqueline's jewellery, including her engagement ring. Her death was caused by rapid incapacitation due to inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Liam Dunne
Liam Dunne was also aged 18. He and his friends reached the club at about 11.30pm that night. Liam was last seen alive inside the ballroom, on the dancefloor in front of the stage. He was rushed to the Mater Hospital where he passed away several weeks later, on 11 March. Liam's father confirmed his identity later that day at the city morgue. The cause of death was complications from burns and inhalation of fire fumes.
Michael Farrell
Michael Farrell, who was 26 years old, went to the club with his girlfriend, Thelma Frazer, who also lost her life in the conflagration. His exact location at the time of the fire was not recorded. Michael was identified on 16 February by his sister, using the digital watch he had been wearing, as well as by dental records. His cause of death was given as rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Michael Ffrench
Michael Ffrench was aged 18. He arrived at the club with friends at around 11.15pm, and sat at a table in the north alcove. He was not positively identified prior to burial, with the cause of death given as rapid incapacitation due to inhalation of fire fumes and heat. Michael's identity was confirmed in February 2007 using DNA analysis.
David Flood
David Flood, who was also 18 years old, got to the Stardust at approximately 11.30pm with friends. They all took seats at the back of the north alcove, close to the main bar. At the time the fire was first visible, David was seen by a friend sitting in a seat, asleep. As the flames spread, his friends tried unsuccessfully to move him towards an exit. David was identified the day after the blaze at the city morgue by his neighbour, who was a friend. He died after inhaling fire fumes.
Thelma Frazer
Thelma Frazer was 20 years old. She went to the Stardust with her boyfriend, Michael Farrell, who also died in the blaze. Her exact location at the time of the fire is not recorded. Thelma was identified at the city morgue two days after the tragedy by her brother, from the necklace and watch she had been wearing. Dental records were also used. Thelma died as a result of rapid incapacitation caused by heat and inhaling fire fumes.
Josephine Glen
Josephine Glen and a friend got to the club relatively early, at about 10.10pm, and took seats in the first row of the north alcove, five or six tables away from exit number five. She was 16 years old. When the fire broke out, Josephine ran with friends towards an exit (probably number five). She was found by an ambulance attendant at around 2.30am, lying on the ground outside the Stardust building. Josephine was pronounced dead at Jervis Street Hospital several days later, on 19 February. Her identity was confirmed by her brother at the city morgue. Josephine's cause of death given as complications due to the inhalation of fire fumes.
Michael Griffiths
Michael Griffiths, who was 18 years old, also got to the club at around 10.15pm. He and some friends took seats on the ground level of the north alcove. He was last seen dancing close to exit five. Michael's identity was confirmed by his father at the city morgue who recognised the necklace his son had been wearing. His cause of death was given as rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Robert Hillick
Robert Hillick, who was 20 years old, was at the club with his friend, James Millar, who also died that night. Robert's exact location at the time of the fire is unrecorded. His remains were identified by his brother at the city morgue on 16 February, from the watch and bracelet he had been wearing. Robert died after the inhalation of fire fumes and heat caused rapid incapacitation.
Brian Hobbs
Patricia Dunne is seen here holding a picture of her brother, Brian Hobbs, who was aged 21. Brian arrived at the club at around 11.45pm, and met up with friends, including Caroline Carey, who also lost her life in the blaze. A friend who had escaped through exit five went back in to look for Brian, who had been last seen seated at a table, but could not find him. Brian was not seen alive again. His brother confirmed his identity at the city morgue on the day of the tragedy, by his clothing, including a belt. Brian died from rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Eugene Hogan
Eugene Hogan was 24 years old. He was at the Stardust with his wife Marie, his brother and friends. Eugene and Marie were dancing when they were alerted to the fire. He went back to get their coats, and as he was going up the stairs, the lights went out. It was the last time he was seen alive. Eugene's remains were identified by his brother the following day, on 15 February, at the city morgue. His cause of death was given as rapid incapacitation due to inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Murtagh Kavanagh
Murtagh Kavanagh was aged 27. He was at the club with his girlfriend, Margaret Thornton, who also died in the blaze. Prior to the outbreak of the fire, the pair had been sitting in the north alcove. Murtagh was not positively identified prior to burial, and his identity was confirmed in February 2007 by way of DNA analysis. His cause of death was determined to have been rapid incapacitation due to inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Mary & Martina Keegan
Damien and Lorraine Keegan are seen here holding photos of their sisters, Mary - who was aged 19 - and Martina, who was 16 years old.
Martina arrived at the club at around 10.20pm with another sister, Antoinette, and a friend. She met up with a large group of colleagues from Superquinn, including her boyfriend, David Morton, who also died that night. Martina had been dancing when the fire broke out, and was last seen by Antoinette just six feet away from exit four, which they all had been trying to reach. Her identity was confirmed on 15 February at the city morgue by her mother, who recognised two rings which her daughter had been wearing. Martina died from rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Mary Keegan went to the the club with her friend, Mary Kenny, who also died in the fire, and met up with her sisters, including Martina. She, too, was on the dancefloor when the fire became visible, and was last seen alive by Antoinette as they all moved towards exit four. Mary Keegan's remains were identified the day after the tragedy, on 15 February, by a friend who recognised the necklace which she had been wearing. Her cause of death was determined to have been rapid incapacitation caused by inhaling fire fumes and heat.
Robert Kelly
Eugene Kelly is pictured holding a photo of his younger brother, Robert Kelly, who was 17 years old when he died in the Stardust fire. Robert got to the club with a group of friends at around 10.45pm that night. He was last seen on the dance floor with Marie Kennedy, who also died in the blaze. Robert's remains were identified the following day using dental records. His cause of death was given as rapid incapacitation caused by the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Marie Kennedy
Pictured are Joanne Hannigan and Michelle Kennedy. Their sister, Marie Kennedy, who was 17 years old, died from inhalation of fire fumes that night. She had arrived at the Stardust with a group of friends shortly after 10.30pm. When the fire broke out, Marie had been on the dance floor with Robert Kelly, who also died. She was taken from the club and brought to Jervis Street Hospital. When attempts to resuscitate her failed, Marie was pronounced dead. Her remains were later identified at the city morgue by her father.
Mary Kenny
Angela Kenny, who was 15 years old at the time of the disaster, holds a photo of her sister Mary Kenny, who was aged 19 when she died. Mary got to the Stardust with friends, including Mary Keegan, at around 10.30pm. They sat at tables in the north alcove. Mary had been holding hands with her friends as a crowd pushed towards exit four. Her sister Carol recognised various items of jewellery and was able to confirm her identity. Mary's cause of death was given as rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Margaret Kiernan
Margaret Kiernan was 18 years old. She arrived at the Stardust with friends at around midnight, and sat at a table beside the west alcove. Margaret was last seen near the phone at the bottom of the stairs in the foyer, heading towards exit two. Her father identified her remains from various items of clothing and jewellery, including an eternity ring from her mother. Margaret died after inhaling fumes from the blaze.
Sandra Lawless
The family of Sandra Lawless hold a picture of her. She was 18 years old. Sandra arrived at the club with friends at approximately 11pm and took seats in the north alcove. She was last seen alive by her friend as they headed together for the side exits. She never reached exit five. On 16 February, a friend of Sandra's confirmed her identity using items of jewellery. Her cause of death was given as rapid incapacitation due to inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Francis Lawlor
Francis Lawlor was 25 years old. He arrived at the Stardust at around 11.30pm along with his wife, Maureen, who also died that night. He was last seen alive by a friend leaving the dance floor with Maureen after the fire broke out. Francis' identity was confirmed on 17 February by his brother, who identified a gold bracelet; dental records were also used. He died following rapid incapacitation caused by heat and inhaling fire fumes.
Maureen Lawlor
Lisa Lawlor holds a photo of her mother, Maureen, who was 26 years old. Maureen had arrived at the Stardust at about 11.30pm with her husband, Francis, who also died that night. When the fire became visible, she was near to the partition area in the middle of the hall, and was heard to shout, "There's a fire!". Maureen was last seen alive by a friend as she left the dance floor with Francis. Her remains were identified on 25 February by way of radiographic identification. She died from rapid incapacitation due to inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Paula Lewis
Paula Lewis was 19 years old. At around 11pm, she arrived at the Stardust along with her friends, including Sandra Lawless, who also died in the tragedy. She was last seen making her way to exit five, holding hands with her friends, before they lost each other. The day after the blaze, Paula's uncle identified her remains by jewellery, and items of clothing. Her cause of death was given as rapid incapacitation due to inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Eamon Loughman
The family of Eamon Loughman are shown here. Eamon was 18 years old. He had arrived at the club at approximately 11.40pm with a friend, and was last seen while they were running across tables towards exit five. His remains had not been positively identified when he was buried in 1981. In February 2007, using DNA analysis, Eamon's identity was confirmed. He died after inhaling fire fumes.
Donna Mahon
Theresa Fitzpatrick with a picture of her sister, Donna Mahon, who was 17 years old. She arrived with friends at the club at around midnight and took seats in the centre of the north alcove, near the front row. Donna was on the dance floor when the fire became visible, and was last seen alive in the foyer of exit two. Her identity was confirmed by Theresa, who recognised a bracelet which she had given to her sister. Donna's death was caused by rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Helena Mangan
Samantha Mangan with a photo of her mother, Helena, who was 22 years old. Helena was at the club with her boyfriend, John Stout, who also died. Her exact location when the fire broke out is unrecorded. Helena's identity was confirmed using dental records on 17 February. She died after breathing in fire fumes.
George McDermott
George McDermott was 18 years old. He and his friends got to the Stardust at about 11pm, and took seats in the front of the north alcove. During the night he met up with his brother and sister, William and Marcella, both of whom also lost their lives. George was last seen dancing in front of the stage with his friends. On 16 February his identity was confirmed at the city morgue by his sister from items of clothing he had been wearing. George died when rapid incapacitation was caused by the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Marcella McDermot
Marcella McDermot was 16 years old. She arrived at the club with a friend at approximately 11.30pm. During the night, Marcella joined her brothers, George and William, who also lost their lives in the blaze. She was last seen heading towards exit three, and died following rapid incapacitation caused by heat and inhaling fire fumes. Marcella's identity was confirmed using dental records on 17 February.
William McDermott
Bridget McDermott is pictured holding photos of her three children, each of whom perished in the Stardust fire, with William on the left, Marcella, and George. (Pic: RollingNews.ie).
At around midnight, William arrived at the club with friends. During the night, he met up with George and Marcella, and was last seen sitting at his table in the north alcove. William was brought to the Mater Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3.50am. The following day at the city morgue, an uncle identified his remains. He had died from inhalation of fire fumes.
Julie McDonnell
Julie McDonnell's sisters hold photographs of their sibling, who was 20 years old when she died in the Stardust fire. Julie had arrived at the club, along with two sisters and her brother, at about 10.30pm. She was last seen alive outside the venue by her brother, and is thought to have re-entered the building. Julie was identified at the city morgue by her brother, from her jewellery. She died following rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Teresa McDonnell
Pictured are the family of Teresa McDonnell, who was 16 years old. Teresa had reached the club at 11pm. She and her friends took a table beside the dancing area. Later, she chatted with friends, including her sister Lorraine, in the seated part of the north alcove. Teresa alerted the group to the flames. A friend, who was making his way towards exit two, last caught sight of Teresa as she headed back into the ballroom to get her sister. Teresa's identity was confirmed by her father on 15 February at the city morgue from clothing and jewellery she had been wearing. Her cause of death was given as inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Gerard McGrath
Gay McKeon with photo of Gerard McGrath, his brother-in-law, who was 21 years old. Gerard was at the Stardust with Kathleen Muldoon, who also died. His exact location when the fire was first seen is unrecorded. Gerard was identified on 17 February from dental records. The cause of death given as rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Caroline McHugh
Caroline McHugh was 17 years old. She reached the Stardust at around 10.30pm. A few hours later, just before 1.45am, Caroline was near the stage chatting with a friend. She was last seen leaving the dance floor and heading back towards her table to get her coat. Caroline was identified later that day by her parents from items of clothing and jewellery. Her death was caused by inhaling fire fumes, and heat.
James Millar
James Millar was 20 years old. He went to the Stardust that night with his friend, Robert Hillick, who also died. His exact location at the time the fire first became visible is unrecorded. A friend confirmed James' identity at the city morgue on 15 February. He had died after rapid incapacitation caused by inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Susan Morgan
Susan Morgan got to the Stardust at about 11pm, where she met her boyfriend Paul Wade, who also died. She was 19 years old. The pair had been sitting at a table with friends when the fire broke out. The following day, her employer, Sister Matthew, identified Susan's remains by a ring with an inscription on it. Susan's cause of death was rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
David Morton
David Morton was 19 years old. He was at the Stardust with colleagues from Superquinn and his girlfriend, Martina Keegan, who also died. David was last seen sitting at the back of the north alcove. His remains were identified later that day by his father at the city morgue, from items of jewellery he had been wearing, including a ring. The cause of death was determined to be rapid incapacitation due to inhalation of fire fumes, and heat.
Kathleen Muldoon
Hugh Muldoon, with a photo of his sister Kathleen Muldoon, who was 19 years old. She was at the club with her friend, Gerard McGrath, who also died. Her exact location when the fire became visible is unrecorded. Kathleen's identity was confirmed on 15 February at the city morgue by a friend, from various items of jewellery and clothing she had been wearing. The cause of death was given as rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
George O'Connor
George O'Connor was 17 years old. He got to the club at about 11pm that night with friends, where they got some seats in the north alcove. George was last seen on the dance floor. His remains were identified on 16 February using dental records. He died after rapid incapacitation was caused by inhaling fire fumes and heat.
Brendan O'Meara
Brendan O'Meara was 23 years old, and arrived at the club at midnight, taking a seat in the north alcove. After the fire became visible he was seen running towards the main entrance. Brendan was alive when he was taken from the Stardust and rushed to Jervis Street Hospital. At 8.50am on 25 February, he died from complications from burns and inhalation of fire fumes. His brother confirmed his identity.
John Stout
John Stout was 18 years of age, and went to the Stardust with his girlfriend, Helena Mangan, who also died. His exact location at the time the fire was first seen is unrecorded. John's remains were identified on 30 March using dental records. The cause of death was given as rapid incapacitation due to the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
Margaret Thornton
Margaret Thornton, who was 19, was at the club with her boyfriend, Murtagh Kavanagh, who also died in the blaze. The pair had been sitting in the north alcove. Margaret was formally identified on 15 February at the city morgue, with the cause of death given as inhalation of fire fumes.
Paul Wade
Paul Wade was 17 years old. He and his girlfriend, Susan Morgan, went to the club together. The couple were seen together on the dance floor at around 1am by Paul's brother. Neither were seen alive again. Paul's remains were not positively identified prior to his burial. DNA was used to confirm his identity in February 2007. Paul was found to have died when rapid incapacitation was caused by the inhalation of fire fumes and heat.
A memorial to the victims in the centre of Stardust Memorial Park, Coolock, Dublin.
