Forensic excavation has commenced today at the site of the former ‘mother and baby home’ in Tuam, County Galway, where it is believed that nearly 800 babies and children are buried. The excavation follows years of research by local historian Catherine Corless, who uncovered that 798 children died at the institution between 1925 and its closure in 1961. Disturbingly, it is believed that most of these children were interred in a disused sewage tank, referred to as “the pit,” rather than in a cemetery, with only two identified graves nearby.
Corless expressed her relief at the start of the excavation, stating, “It’s been a long, long journey,” and emphasized the importance of this moment in confronting a painful chapter in Ireland’s past. Her findings, which shocked the nation upon their revelation in 2014, highlighted the harsh realities faced by women and children in Ireland during a time when the Catholic Church wielded significant influence over social norms.
The forensic excavation, led by Daniel MacSweeney and expected to last up to two years, aims to identify the remains using DNA testing and ultimately provide the victims with a dignified reburial. This process has the potential to bring closure to many families who have long sought answers about their loved ones.
Among those seeking closure is Annette McKay, whose mother gave birth to a daughter at the Tuam home. McKay, now living in Manchester, revealed her hopes that her infant sister’s remains might be found and buried alongside their mother, stating, “I don’t care if it’s a thimbleful; for me to be able to pop Mary Margaret with Maggie is fitting.”
This excavation represents not only a chance for the identification and dignified reburial of the children but also a critical moment for societal reflection on the treatment of vulnerable populations in Ireland’s past. The Irish government has already issued a formal apology for the devastating conditions in mother and baby homes, with Taoiseach Micheal Martin acknowledging the “appalling level of infant mortality” and the failures of society towards these mothers and their children.
As the excavation progresses, many in the community and beyond hope that it will bring to light more details about the tragic history of the site and foster a deeper understanding of the injustices faced by those who were marginalized. While the path to reconciliation is long, this effort marks a significant step toward remedying past wrongs and ensuring that such tragedies are never forgotten.