Families to visit Tuam mass grave site ahead of excavation
The full-scale excavation of the site of St Mary's mother and baby home in Tuam, Co Galway will try to identify the remains of infants who died at the home between 1925 and 1961.
In 2014, research led by local historian Catherine Corless indicated that 796 babies and young children were buried in a sewage system at the Co Galway institution across that time period.
The St Mary's home for unmarried mothers and their children was run by the Bon Secours Sisters, a religious order of Catholic nuns.
In 2021, Irish premier Micheal Martin delivered an apology on behalf of the state for the treatment of women and children who were housed in mother and baby homes across Ireland.
The Bon Secours Sisters also offered a 'profound apology' after acknowledging the order had 'failed to protect the inherent dignity' of women and children in the Tuam home.
Speaking to the PA news agency on Monday, Ms Corless said she found it 'overwhelming' to see the excavation work proceed after her 10-year campaign.
'There was no will to do anything for those babies except leave them there and put a monument over them.
'But this was a sewer system and I couldn't give up on them. They were all baptised, they deserve to be in consecrated ground.'
Ms Corless said it was a 'huge relief' to be able to 'let go and back off', after being faced with obstacles in her campaign from people she initially thought would be helpful.
'It is huge for me to know those babies are finally going to get the dignity they deserve – it is a wrong put right.'
Anna Corrigan, who discovered that she had two older brothers who were born while her mother was a resident at the Tuam home, visited the site on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, she said: 'These children were denied every human right in their lifetime, as was their mothers.
'They were denied dignity – and they were denied dignity and respect in death.
'So I'm hoping that today maybe will be the start of hearing them because I think they've been crying for an awful long time to be heard.'
The work at the burial site, which is being undertaken by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention Tuam (ODAIT), will involve exhumation, analysis, identification if possible and re-interment of the remains at the site.
On Monday, ODAIT held a media briefing which gave members of the press access to the site.
The site, surrounded by a 2.4 metre-high hoarding, is subject to security monitoring on a 24-hour basis to ensure the forensic integrity of the site during the excavation.
The excavation is scheduled to begin on Monday and is anticipated to last two years.
Speaking to reporters, ODAIT leader Daniel MacSweeney said the family and survivor visit will be 'the most important event of the week'.
He said: 'We continue to work closely with the residents living close to the site to ensure minimum disruption is caused to them by the works.'
Mr MacSweeney said the excavation will work to international best practices when it came to forensic standards.
He said ODAIT was trying to restore dignity in death for the infants, adding that the remains would be reburied following consultation with families.
The work will involve a long, complex process of recovering all the remains within the site and then separating the 'mixed up' skeletal specimens by sorting them by age and using processes to assess sex.
This will allow for the individualisation of each set of remains and it is hoped that identification of some of those buried can take place with the assistance of DNA provided by families as well as other records.
Mr MacSweeney said the Bon Secours Sisters had provided ODAIT with access to its archive material and it is hoped that this will also help the identification process.
The team will also attempt to establish cause of death where possible.
Dr Niamh McCullagh, a forensic archaeologist with ODAIT said a 2016 'test excavation' discovered 20 chambers within a disused sewage tank that contained infant remains ranging from 35 foetal weeks up to three years old, from a period matching the operation of the institution between 1925-1961.
Asked if it was possible that criminal cases may arise out of the work, Dr McCullagh said ODAIT is obliged to notify the local coroner of any evidence of violent or unnatural deaths.
Dr McCullagh said it is difficult to estimate how long it will take to separate and complete the process of identification of the 'commingled remains', as they are yet to establish the scale of the work ahead.
The team also expects to find personnel effects associated with the operation of the institution, having discovered items like shoes and feeding bottles in the 2016 dig.
However, the work will be complicated as excavators expect to uncover artefacts relating to previous uses of the site, including as a workhouse.
Meanwhile, 14 people have provided DNA to ODAIT to assist with identification thus far.
Around 80 others have expressed interest in providing DNA samples to the team, including 30 who made contact in the last month.
Mr MacSweeney said he expects that more people will get in touch as the work proceeds.
The team has a 9.4 million euro budget for 2025, with further allocations yet to be finalised by the Department of Public Expenditure.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ITV News
an hour ago
- ITV News
Works begins on Tuam grave in bid to identify 796 babies and children in sewage system
A major excavation of a mass, unmarked grave of babies and young children in the west of Ireland began on excavation of the site of St Mary's mother and baby home in Tuam, Co Galway, will try to identify the remains of infants who died at the home between 1925 and and other specialists have started working at the site as part of its attempt to exhume and identify human remains. In 2014, research led by local historian Catherine Corless indicated that 796 babies and young children were buried in a sewage system at the Co Galway institution across that time Mary's home for unmarried mothers and their children was run by the Bon Secours Sisters, a religious order of Catholic 2021, Irish premier Micheal Martin apologised on behalf of the state for the treatment of women and children who were housed in mother and baby homes across Bon Secours Sisters also offered a 'profound apology' after acknowledging the order had 'failed to protect the inherent dignity' of women and children in the Tuam process, which started on Monday, is expected to last two work at the burial site, which is being undertaken by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention Tuam (ODAIT), will involve exhumation, analysis, identification if possible and re-interment of the remains at the site, surrounded by a 2.4 metre-high hoarding, is security monitored on a 24-hour basis to ensure the forensic integrity of the site during the Corrigan, who discovered that she had two older brothers who were born while her mother was a resident at the Tuam home, said Monday was a welcome but difficult Corrigan has instructed KRW Law to launch High Court civil proceedings against a number of agencies and institutions including the Order of The Sisters of Bon Secours over the circumstances surrounding the death and disappearance of her brothers.'Whilst it's a relief to see work started on the site it's really only the latest stage in what is still a long road for all of us,' she said.'I accept there are technical issues arising from the exhumation which may impact on decision-making by the attorney general, the coroner in Galway and the gardai and others, but the least we can expect now is expressions of support plus a commitment to reviewing all previous decision-making.'I won't rest until I see justice for my two brothers who not only need a proper Christian burial but also the full rigours of the law both domestic and international applied.'What happened at Tuam was criminal, so there needs to be both church and state accountability. The Government can't just do a Pontius Pilate and wash their hands of this and blame the nuns and the Catholic Church.'They have a complicity in all of this as well. Any solutions which exclude the state won't be tolerated by me or anyone else.'We've fought far too hard to get to here and we certainly don't want to see this important excavation work carried out in vain.'There are so many people I want to thank, including Jim McVeigh from Belfast and our lawyers, including KRW Law led by Chris Stanley, together with Carl Buckley of Guernica Chambers, whose guidance and direction has helped to chart a path through many of the legal complexities.'We have much more work to be done before we can feel anywhere near satisfied.'Speaking on the opening day of excavations, Irish human rights lawyer Kevin Winters said: 'Annie (Anna) Corrigan, like so many others, has waited a long time for this moment. It's intensely emotional for her but also frustrating given the gnawing sense of unfinished business.'She welcomes the excavation work, which is likely to take anything up to two years to complete, and sees today as an opportunity to again call upon the Irish Government to engage on unresolved legal issues connected to the recovery process.'Over 18 months ago we wrote to gardai, including local gardai, at Tuam urging them to treat the scandal as a criminal investigation.'Despite repeated requests from both Annie and ourselves they failed to assign gardai Pulse investigation numbers until last month when she received confirmation they would issue.'We have written to gardai in Galway urging the immediate release of the numbers. The industrial volumes of buried infants and the manner in which they met their fate clearly points to criminality.'It will be momentous to see the assignment of Pulse record numbers as that crystallises formal criminal investigation status upon this historical human rights debacle.'Equally important is the requirement that the coroner in Galway upscales intervention after opening up the case as far back as 2017.'There needs to be an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Annie's siblings and all the other unexplained deaths.'We are also instructed by Annie to launch High Court civil proceedings against a number of agencies and institutions including the Order of The Sisters of Bon Secours over the circumstances surrounding the death and disappearance of Annie's brothers.'There was a suffocating toxicity about the historic Irish state-Catholic Church relationship which helped foment the horrors of Tuam.'However this almost mediaeval barbarity occurred within living memory.'Tuam is in danger of becoming a byword for cruelty unless both state agencies and the church respond promptly and transparently to the latest legal agitation touching upon criminal investigation; inquests and compensation.' Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
BreakingNews.ie
2 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Major excavation of unmarked grave of babies and young children under way
A major excavation of a mass, unmarked grave of babies and young children in the west of Ireland began on Monday. The excavation of the site of St Mary's mother and baby home in Tuam, Co Galway, will try to identify the remains of infants who died at the home between 1925 and 1961. Advertisement Archaeologists and other specialists have started working at the site as part of its attempt to exhume and identify human remains. In 2014, research led by local historian Catherine Corless indicated that 796 babies and young children were buried in a sewage system at the Co Galway institution across that time period. Excavation workers at the site (Niall Carson/PA) St Mary's home for unmarried mothers and their children was run by the Bon Secours Sisters, a religious order of Catholic nuns. In 2021, Taoiseach Micheál Martin apologised on behalf of the State for the treatment of women and children who were housed in mother and baby homes across Ireland. Advertisement The Bon Secours Sisters also offered a 'profound apology' after acknowledging the order had 'failed to protect the inherent dignity' of women and children in the Tuam home. The process, which started on Monday, is expected to last two years. The work at the burial site, which is being undertaken by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention Tuam (ODAIT), will involve exhumation, analysis, identification if possible and re-interment of the remains at the site. The site, surrounded by a 2.4 metre-high hoarding, is security monitored on a 24-hour basis to ensure the forensic integrity of the site during the excavation. Advertisement Anna Corrigan, who discovered that she had two older brothers who were born while her mother was a resident at the Tuam home, said Monday was a welcome but difficult day. Ms Corrigan has instructed KRW Law to launch High Court civil proceedings against a number of agencies and institutions including the Order of The Sisters of Bon Secours over the circumstances surrounding the death and disappearance of her brothers. 'Whilst it's a relief to see work started on the site it's really only the latest stage in what is still a long road for all of us,' she said. 'I accept there are technical issues arising from the exhumation which may impact on decision-making by the attorney general, the coroner in Galway and the gardai and others, but the least we can expect now is expressions of support plus a commitment to reviewing all previous decision-making. Advertisement 'I won't rest until I see justice for my two brothers who not only need a proper Christian burial but also the full rigours of the law both domestic and international applied. 'What happened at Tuam was criminal, so there needs to be both church and state accountability. The Government can't just do a Pontius Pilate and wash their hands of this and blame the nuns and the Catholic Church. 'They have a complicity in all of this as well. Any solutions which exclude the state won't be tolerated by me or anyone else. 'We've fought far too hard to get to here and we certainly don't want to see this important excavation work carried out in vain. Advertisement Campaigner Anna Corrigan, whose mother Bridget was resident of the Tuam home (Niall Carson/PA) 'There are so many people I want to thank, including Jim McVeigh from Belfast and our lawyers, including KRW Law led by Chris Stanley, together with Carl Buckley of Guernica Chambers, whose guidance and direction has helped to chart a path through many of the legal complexities. 'We have much more work to be done before we can feel anywhere near satisfied.' Speaking on the opening day of excavations, Irish human rights lawyer Kevin Winters said: 'Annie (Anna) Corrigan, like so many others, has waited a long time for this moment. It's intensely emotional for her but also frustrating given the gnawing sense of unfinished business. 'She welcomes the excavation work, which is likely to take anything up to two years to complete, and sees today as an opportunity to again call upon the Irish Government to engage on unresolved legal issues connected to the recovery process. 'Over 18 months ago we wrote to gardai, including local gardai, at Tuam urging them to treat the scandal as a criminal investigation. 'Despite repeated requests from both Annie and ourselves they failed to assign gardai Pulse investigation numbers until last month when she received confirmation they would issue. 'We have written to gardai in Galway urging the immediate release of the numbers. The industrial volumes of buried infants and the manner in which they met their fate clearly points to criminality. 'It will be momentous to see the assignment of Pulse record numbers as that crystallises formal criminal investigation status upon this historical human rights debacle. 'Equally important is the requirement that the coroner in Galway upscales intervention after opening up the case as far back as 2017. 'There needs to be an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Annie's siblings and all the other unexplained deaths. 'We are also instructed by Annie to launch High Court civil proceedings against a number of agencies and institutions including the Order of The Sisters of Bon Secours over the circumstances surrounding the death and disappearance of Annie's brothers. 'There was a suffocating toxicity about the historic Irish state-Catholic Church relationship which helped foment the horrors of Tuam. 'However this almost mediaeval barbarity occurred within living memory. 'Tuam is in danger of becoming a byword for cruelty unless both state agencies and the church respond promptly and transparently to the latest legal agitation touching upon criminal investigation; inquests and compensation.'
The Independent
5 hours ago
- The Independent
Excavation to begin at Irish mother and baby home where 796 infants were buried in septic tank
The bodies of hundreds of infants who died in an Irish mother and baby home are to be recovered from a septic tank where they lay hidden in an unmarked grave for decades. It is hoped some of the remains will be identified before they are given a proper burial as excavation work starts at the mass grave for 796 babies. The painstaking process, expected to last two years, comes more than ten years after amateur historian Catherine Corless first uncovered the shocking secrets of St Mary's mother and baby home in Tuam, Co Galway. In 2014, she found there were no burial records for hundreds of infants and young children who died between 1925 and 1961 at the home for unmarried mothers run by the Bon Secours Sisters, a religious order of Catholic nuns. When she visited the site, now a housing estate, she learned how two boys had lifted a broken concrete slab near a children's playground in the 1970s and seen bones inside. Mary Moriarty, who lived in a house near the site, told the BBC before her death that she had gone to see what they found and 'fell in a hole'. Inside, she saw hundreds of "little bundles", wrapped in cloths that had gone black from rot and damp, and were "packed one after the other, in rows up to the ceiling". The authorities believed the remains were from Irish Famine in the 1840s, when the site was a workhouse where many people died, and the spot was covered back up. However, Ms Corless's suspicions about the missing dead children were officially confirmed in 2017 when an Irish government investigation found "significant quantities of human remains" in a test excavation of the site. The bones were not from the famine and were children aged from about 35 foetal weeks to two or three years. A baby had died at Tuam every two weeks on average. They were buried, without coffins, one on top of the other in the 9ft-deep chambers of the underground septic tank. On Monday, after a decade of tireless campaigning for the infants, digging will finally begin to give them a proper burial. 'There was no will to do anything for those babies except leave them there and put a monument over them,' Ms Corless said as families and survivors visited the site last week. 'But this was a sewer system and I couldn't give up on them. They were all baptised, they deserve to be in consecrated ground.' A major commission prompted by Ms Corless' work found that 9,000 children died in similar homes across Ireland in the 20th century. In 2021, Irish premier Micheal Martin apologised, saying: 'The most striking thing is the shame felt by women who became pregnant outside of marriage and the stigma that was so cruelly attached to their children. 'I apologise for the profound generational wrong visited upon Irish mothers and their children who ended up in a mother and baby home or a county home. As the commission says plainly, 'They should not have been there.'' The Bon Secours Sisters also offered a 'profound apology' after acknowledging the order had 'failed to protect the inherent dignity' of women and children in the Tuam home. Anna Corrigan, 68, who discovered that she had two older brothers who were born while her mother was a resident at the Tuam home, was among those to visit the site before excavation begins. 'These children were denied every human right in their lifetime, as were their mothers,' she said. 'They were denied dignity – and they were denied dignity and respect in death. 'So I'm hoping that today maybe will be the start of hearing them because I think they've been crying for an awful long time to be heard.' After researching her family history she found her mother gave birth to two sons at the home; John Desmond Dolan in February 1946, and William Joseph Dolan in May 1950. At his birth, John was recorded as weighing 8lb 9oz and healthy. When he died at just 14 months old, the cause of death was given as measles, with his notes also claiming he was a 'congenital idiot' and 'emaciated'. John is listed as one of the 796 babies uncovered by Ms Corless's research. William lacks even a death certificate — merely a note in the nun's files from the time which reads: 'Dead 3rd February 1951'. 'I just want truth or answers or closure, if they are in that pit at least I can tool on my mother's headstones, 'pre-deceased by her two sons John and William', it's truth, closure, finality, answers,' Ms Corrigan told The Sunday Times. PJ Haverty, 73, who was separated from his birth mother aged one and raised at the home until he was seven, described it as a 'prison'. He said those linked to the home were shunned and treated like 'dirt'. "We had to go 10 minutes late and leave 10 minutes early, because they didn't want us talking to the other kids," he recalled. "Even at break-time in the school, we weren't allowed to play with them – we were cordoned off. You were dirt from the street." The work at the burial site, which is being undertaken by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention Tuam (ODAIT), will involve exhumation, analysis, identification if possible and re-interment of the remains at the site. ODAIT leader Daniel MacSweeney said the excavation will work to international best practices when it came to forensic standards. The work will involve a long, complex process of recovering all the remains within the site and then separating the 'mixed up' skeletal specimens by sorting them by age and using processes to assess sex. It is hoped that identification of some of those buried can take place with the assistance of DNA provided by families as well as other records. The team will also attempt to establish cause of death where possible.
