An emotional Charlie Bird today insisted that it is to "our eternal shame" that the relatives of those who died in the Stardust fire are still waiting for the truth.
Ahead of the 41st anniversary of the tragedy on Monday, a vigil was held on the site of the blaze in Artane, north Dublin and the families of the 48 victims vowed to never give up their fight for justice.
No one has ever been charged in relation to the fire at the Stardust nightclub, which occurred on the night of Valentine’s day in 1981.
The families are hoping new inquests for those who died will begin in the coming months.
Veteran broadcaster Bird was invited by the Stardust Committee, having covered the story since the tragic night, and singer Christy Moore also performed.
Retired journalist Charlie was recently diagnosed with motor neurone disease and his voice is weakening from the disease every day.
Charlie, speaking through his voice bank, recalled the horror of the tragedy.
He said: "I will never forget that freezing cold night, it was early morning when I got here, and the scene I saw was now etched in my mind forever.
“I admire your courage and your bravery.
"When you look back, the relatives of those who died on Bloody Sunday got a State apology, the Hillsborough relatives got some justice.
"To our eternal shame here is a group of relatives who are still waiting for the truth of what happened on that night 41 years ago.
“I have said this so many times before.
"If the Stardust tragedy happened in some middle class area of this country, or indeed on the south side of Dublin, we would not be here today still trying to find out what happened on the dreadful cold February night.
“So after 41 years you still have not got the answers and justice you deserve, and for as long as I can I will do anything I can to help you.
"I keep saying this. I really mean it. You are the most remarkable group of people."
One by one, Charlie then read out each of the victims names as their relatives collected a candle and could say some words if they wanted to.
Antoinette Keegan, who lost her sisters Martina, 16, and 19-year-old Mary when the three girls were trapped in the nightclub, also spoke.
And she told Charlie: "We will support you like you supported us every step of the way.
"We are truly humbled and honoured to have you here today… we are truly humbled and honoured to have Christy Moore here today who’s been with us since day one."
Christy Moore sang They Never Came Home, which is based on the tragedy.
And Charlie also became very emotional, as did many of the hundreds who attended, when the song You'll Never Walk Alone was played.
