A long-awaited forensic excavation began today at a former mother and baby home in County Galway, where it is believed that nearly 800 babies and children are buried. This site, located in Tuam, has been the focus of intense scrutiny and emotional reflection for years, especially since local historian Catherine Corless revealed that many of these children were likely disposed of in a sewage tank referred to as "the pit."
Corless’s research uncovered the tragic deaths of 798 children at the home between 1925 and 1961, a time when societal attitudes towards unmarried mothers and their children were harsh and unforgiving. Of these children, only two were buried in a nearby cemetery, while the fate of the remaining 796 has long been a source of pain and unanswered questions.
As the excavation starts, Corless expressed her relief, saying, "It’s been a long, long journey." She hopes this effort will finally reveal the truth about what happened to these vulnerable children. The excavation is expected to last up to two years, led by a team of investigators headed by Daniel MacSweeney. Their goal is to identify as many remains as possible through DNA testing and provide a respectful reburial for the deceased.
The excavation comes after a formal apology from the Irish government in 2021, which acknowledged the high infant mortality rates in mother and baby homes across Ireland. This inquiry revealed that around 9,000 children died in 18 such institutions. Taoiseach Micheal Martin highlighted the societal dysfunction that led to this tragedy, stating that young mothers and their children paid a terrible price for the warped attitudes of the time.
For families like that of Annette McKay, who lives in Manchester, the excavation holds deep personal significance. Annette’s mother, Margaret O’Connor, gave birth to a baby girl named Mary Margaret in the Tuam home in 1942. Tragically, the child died just six months later. Annette recalls her mother’s painful memories, including a nun’s cruel words after the child’s death. She hopes that the excavation will allow her sister’s remains to be found and laid to rest with her mother.
The excavation is not just about finding remains; it symbolizes a broader quest for justice and understanding. Many in the community and beyond are seeking answers about the treatment of women and children during a time when their lives were often disregarded. Corless reflects on the contradiction of a church that preached care for the vulnerable but seemingly excluded illegitimate children from that compassion.
As the dig progresses, the people of Tuam are left to confront the painful history of neglect and mistreatment that occurred in their town. The excavation represents a step toward healing, accountability, and remembrance for the lost lives of these children.