Late Late viewers gush with praise for relatives of Stardust victims after 'surreal' verdict

Tonight's Late Late Show produced one of the most moving moments in the show's history as two relatives of victims killed in the Stardust tragedy in 1981 reflected on the "surreal" moment they achieved justice.

Yesterday's inquest returned a verdict that the families had waited 43 years for - unlawful killing.

On Valentine's Day 1981, young people from the surrounding areas of the Artane-based Stardust nightclub went on a night out and never came home as a fire ripped through the building, killing 48.

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Relatives-turned justice campaigners Antoinette Keegan and Celine McDermott joined Patrick Kielty on the show on Friday night to discuss their reactions to the final verdict delivered on Thursday.

Antoinette described the final achievement of justice as "overwhelming" and said she asked herself "Is this real?". She said that the decades-late delivery of the verdict was "absolutely terrible".

She explained: "It was fantastic getting an unlawful killing (verdict) because I firmly believe that should have been done back in 1982 at the very first inquest. But what was done on us was absolutely terrible, really and truly, We should have never had to wait 43 years, but we got it, thanks to our legal team."

Celine described the room as "packed" and "anxious" at the time the verdict was being read out, and she had kind words for members of the public who joined campaigners in their quest for the truth.

"It was absolutely incredible. It was nearly surreal because it was completely packed and everybody was so anxious and nervous because even up to hten, we had been let down so many times by the State. But it was always the public people who were behind us and supported us and they wanted to help us, but they didn't know what else to do."

She added: "It was very sad but happy to see the parents that were left and they were sitting at the very front facing the coroner. My mother, included, was one of them."

Antoinette spoke about a phone call she received from Taoiseach Simon Harris who extended his best wishes and requested to have a meeting with the relatives "as soon as possible". She revealed that they will be meeting with the Mr Harris on Saturday at 11am.

All 48 victims of the Stardust tragedy were remembered
(Image: RTÉ)

Despite Thursday's verdict, she is not resting until she gets an official apology from the State for what occurred in the aftermath of the 1981 tragedy.

"We're looking for a public apology. We shouldn’t have had to do this for 43 years," she said.

Closing out the show, Patrick paid a poignant tribute to the victims by reading out all 48 names before closing out with the words: "Rest easy and goodnight". The audience responded with a standing ovation as Antoinette and Celine were brought to tears.

Viewers responded to the highly emotional show on social media as they hailed the campaigners for their tireless mission for justice throughout the 43 years since the awful event.

One X user paid tribute to Antoinette and Celine, writing: "These women are incredible. The courage it must take to tell the story of their immeasurable loss is incomprehensible. May the souls of their loved ones & the many others who perished that fateful night in 1981 rest now after a long fight"

A second wrote: "In awe of these amazing women & their determination", while another user took aim at the authorities for the length of time it took to achieve the truth: "It’s an absolute disgrace that it’s taken 43 years for the families and the victims to get justice. 43 years… Shameful."

Another user said: "That was public service broadcasting at its very very best. And so heartbreaking a litany by Kielty".

One woman praised Patrick Kielty for his part played in Friday's moving show, writing: "So much love for Patrick Kielty after that incredible heartfelt tribute. You can tell he is heartbroken."

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