Tributes flow in for long-time Stardust campaigner Eugene Kelly

Tributes have continued to flow in for long-time Stardust campaigner, Eugene Kelly, who died last week.

Eugene, who had been living in Balbriggan was formerly of Edenmore and was a campaigner for justice for the 48 victims of the 1981 fire, including his own 17-year-old brother, Robert.

“Sadly missed by his heartbroken children Stuart, Mandy and Lyndsey, his partner Martha, daughter-in-law Lorraine, son-in-law Peter, grandchildren James, Emily and Sianna, ex-wife Celine, brothers and sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a very large circle of friends,” a notice on RIP.i.e. reads.

On the Justice for the Stardust48 Facebook page a simple message was posted: ‘Very sad news, we have to announce the passing of our dear friend and Justice fighter Eugene Kelly, thinking of his family and his dear friend Martha at this time’.

Comments flowed in from hundreds, with one person writing: ‘May his gentle soul rest in peace. Condolences to his family and friends and the Justice for the stardust 48 family.’

Another added: ‘This is truly shocking news. Condolences to all who knew and loved Eugene, a gentleman and a warrior on behalf of his brother’

One person added: ‘We will all miss your cheeky smile’

Eugene passed away just after the first pre-inquest hearings into the 1981 disaster were held at Dublin District Coroner’s Court, which he attended.

Forty-eight people died and more than 200 were injured when the blaze broke out in the Stardust nightclub in Artane on St Valentine’s night in 1981.