BREAKING: Excavation teams at the site of St Mary’s mother and baby home in Tuam, Co Galway, have confirmed the discovery of additional sets of infant remains. This urgent update from the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention Tuam (ODAIT) reveals that further graves have been identified during ongoing investigations into the tragic history of this institution, which operated between 1925 and 1961.
The excavation began in July 2023, aiming to uncover the remains of infants believed to have died at the home. In a shocking 2014 report, local historian Catherine Corless revealed that 796 babies were buried in a sewage system at the facility. The latest findings, disclosed on Friday, indicate that four additional sets of human remains have been recovered, bringing the total to 11 infants identified so far.
The ODAIT confirmed that the newly discovered graves are consistent with prior assessments and historical documents indicating a designated burial ground at the site. Remarkably, there were no visible signs of burials before the excavation began, highlighting the significant discoveries being made. The organization stated, “The layout and size of the graves is consistent evidence that, at this part of the site, there is a burial ground from the time of the operation of the Mother and Baby Institution.”
Initial evaluations suggest that all recovered remains belong to infants and were coffined, with forensic analysis currently underway. These developments add to the already profound emotional impact on families and communities affected by the history of the mother and baby homes in Ireland.
St Mary’s home was operated by the Bon Secours Sisters, a Catholic religious order. In a poignant moment in 2021, Irish Premier Micheal Martin issued a heartfelt apology on behalf of the state for the treatment of women and children in such institutions, acknowledging the deep injustices they suffered. The Bon Secours Sisters also expressed a “profound apology,” admitting their failure to protect the dignity of those in their care.
As the excavation continues, authorities are committed to uncovering the full extent of this tragedy. The next steps will involve detailed forensic analysis and further excavations to ensure all remains are identified and honored properly. This story is still developing, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this heartbreaking situation as we continue to follow the excavation efforts in Tuam.
