Excavation Begins at Site of 800 Unburied Children in Ireland

Tuam, Ireland — Excavation has started at the former Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home, where authorities believe the remains of about 800 babies and young children are buried. This grim discovery follows years of research led by historian Catherine Corless, who located death certificates for nearly 800 children who died between the 1920s and 1961 at the home.

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin described the situation as “a very, very difficult, harrowing story,” and emphasized the need for patience as the excavation progresses. He expressed hope for the families seeking closure regarding their lost loved ones.

The Bon Secours facility, which closed in 1961, was part of a network of homes for unwed mothers in Ireland during the 20th century. These institutions were often criticized for their treatment of women and children, as well as their high mortality rates.

In 2021, the remains of 796 infants were uncovered during a prior investigation, with evidence linking them to the mass grave. Family members and survivors are expected to be allowed to view the ongoing works, according to Daniel MacSweeney, who is overseeing the project.

MacSweeney remarked on the complexity of the excavation, which is estimated to take two years. Any recovered remains will undergo analysis and preservation, with identified remains returned to families and unidentified remains treated with dignity.

In a significant development, the sisters who ran the home previously issued a public apology, recognizing their failures to protect the dignity of the women and children. Additionally, Prime Minister Martin had issued a state apology in 2021 after reports revealed that approximately 9,000 children died in Irish mother-and-baby homes.

As the excavation continues, the country grips with the unresolved trauma of its historical treatment of vulnerable mothers and children.