The Stardust disaster, in which 48 young people lost their lives 25 years ago today, "should never have happened", Fr Kevin Moore told his congregation at St Joseph's Church, Coolock.
Hundreds gathered in the small parish church yesterday to mourn those who died in the fire that engulfed the Stardust disco on St Valentine's eve, 1981.
The fire, with the deaths of people who were mostly in their teens and early 20s, and the injury and maiming of more than 100 others was still "awful and frightening" to contemplate today, Fr Moore said.
"Awful because of the loss of so many young lives . . . frightening because it happened."
The anniversary Mass brought the families and communities who had suffered such tragedy together to remember those who had died. "There can't be anybody in this country, and indeed in other countries, who was alive in 1981 who will every forget the tragedy of the Stardust fire," he said.
Most of those who died came from the largely working-class areas of Coolock, Bonnybrook, Artane and Donnycarney on Dublin's northside. There was not a family in the area that was not affected by the disaster, Fr Moore said. Some people had lost neighbours and friends, others had sustained appalling injuries, but other families had been "torn apart" by the deaths of one, two and in one case three children.
"The collective loss and injury is of a scale so deep as to be beyond the imagination."
For those who were injured, the scars and pain and consequences of their injuries, lived with them as a "lifelong burden" and many suffered ongoing nightmares from the trauma which would never leave them.
For the parents and friends who were not at the disco and who faced the searches of hospitals and the anxious wait for news after the fire - "the dread felt on that night will always be etched on their hearts", he said.
Fr Moore asked the congregation to also remember the emergency services, fire brigade, the ambulance personnel, the gardaí, the doctors and nurses, who were faced with such an "overwhelming task" that night.
"This was a terrible, awful and frightening tragedy. It should never have happened."
The memorial Mass was a time to remember the space that had been occupied by those who were lost, to remember all that their parents would have wished for them, that they were unique and special treasures who meant more than words could describe to those who loved them.
Fr Moore said he was conscious of the sadness, sorrow and pain that was still felt by so many, but he said he hoped that the celebration of the Mass would be a support and help to them at this difficult time.
"We believe that the victims of the Stardust tragedy we remember today will continue to live with God in heaven."
Fr Moore asked for a special prayer for Bridie Coyne, who died from a heart attack on the morning after the fire on being told her children had perished. They were subsequently found to have survived the event.
