Existence of mass grave, with remains of up to 800 children, suspected in Ireland
It was referred to as "The Home," and was a facility for unwed and expectant mothers in Ireland. Now, a mass grave is suspected to exist beside The Home, and it's estimated that 796 children's bodies are buried at the site. Some of the bodies were found in an old septic tank.Our guest, Susan Lohan, says most of the children...
It was referred to as "The Home," and was a facility for unwed and expectant mothers in Ireland. Now, a mass grave is suspected to exist beside The Home, and it's estimated that 796 children's bodies are buried at the site. Some of the bodies were found in an old septic tank.
Our guest, Susan Lohan, says most of the children died of completely preventable illnesses.
The children range in age from newborn to nine years old. Their remains were found in an old septic tank that went seemingly unused by the home.
The Home was run by the Bon Secours nuns from 1925 to 1961 in County Galway, Ireland. And for 40 years, children died there at a rate of two a month.
Today, an Irish government junior minister has called for an inquiry into the deaths. Susan Lohan is all too aware of the conditions in the homes for unwed mothers. She's the director of the Adoption Rights Alliance.
*Update: September 8, 2014 - An earlier version of this post referred to a mass grave being found in Tuam, County Galway. In fact, after the death certificates of 796 children were found it is suspected that their remains are buried in a mass grave on the grounds of the former St. Mary's mother and baby home in Tuam.
*Update: September 8, 2014 - An earlier version of this post referred to a mass grave being found in Tuam, County Galway. In fact, after the death certificates of 796 children were found it is suspected that their remains are buried in a mass grave on the grounds of the former St. Mary's mother and baby home in Tuam.