UPDATE: Excavation teams at the site of the former St Mary’s Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Co Galway have uncovered additional sets of infant remains, confirming the existence of a burial ground linked to the institution’s operations from 1925 to 1961. This urgent discovery comes as the excavation, which began in July 2023, aims to identify and honor the memory of infants who died at this facility.
The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention Tuam (ODAIT) reported today that four new sets of remains have been recovered, adding to the previous seven sets found earlier. The manner of burial indicates that all eleven recovered individuals were infants and were coffined. Forensic analysis is currently underway to understand more about these young lives lost.
Local historian Catherine Corless first brought attention to the tragic history of St Mary’s home, revealing in 2014 that a staggering 796 babies and young children were buried in a sewage system at the facility. The latest excavation confirms her findings and highlights the pressing need for justice and acknowledgment of the past.
The area where these remains were found corresponds to a location marked as a “burial ground” in historical documents reviewed by the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation (MBHCOI). Prior to the excavation, there were no visible signs indicating the presence of a burial site at this location, making this discovery even more significant.
The ODAIT emphasized that the layout and size of the graves are consistent with a burial ground from the time the institution was operational. This discovery resonates deeply with the community and advocates seeking closure and recognition for the families affected by this dark chapter in Irish history.
The Bon Secours Sisters, the religious order that operated the home, have issued a formal apology for their role in the suffering of women and children at St Mary’s. In 2021, Irish Premier Micheal Martin also apologized on behalf of the state, acknowledging the systemic failures that led to the neglect of vulnerable populations.
As forensic assessments continue, the focus now shifts to uncovering the identities of these infants and providing answers to the families who have long sought closure. The ODAIT’s ongoing work highlights the importance of addressing historical injustices and the need for transparency in the treatment of those who suffered within mother and baby homes across Ireland.
The community and advocates will be watching closely as further updates are expected from the ODAIT in the coming days. This developing story underscores the emotional impact of uncovering buried truths and the significance of remembering those who were lost.
