In a deeply sombre development, investigators at Ireland's notorious Tuam Mother and Baby Home have confirmed the discovery of a long-suspected burial ground, where it is feared the remains of up to 800 infants may lie.
A Harrowing Historical Discovery
The excavation team, which began its painstaking work in July, has uncovered compelling evidence of a graveyard on the western edge of the former institution in County Galway. This is the same site that first shocked the world a decade ago.
The home at Tuam initially drew international attention in 2014, when local historian Catherine Corless uncovered 796 death certificates for babies and young children who died there, yet found no corresponding burial records.
Now, the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT), has released its fourth update, confirming the historic and harrowing find. Officials reported discovering 'graves of child or infant size' in the area currently being excavated under a large tent. The location aligns precisely with a section marked 'burial ground' on old site maps.
Evidence Mounts as Excavation Continues
In a statement, ODAIT noted: 'Despite these historical references, there were no surface or ground level indications of the potential for a burial ground at this location prior to excavation.' It confirmed: 'The presence of burials at this location has now been confirmed.'
The layout and size of the graves provide consistent evidence that this part of the site was a burial ground during the institution's operation from 1925 until its closure in 1961. The home was run by the Bon Secours Sisters on behalf of Galway County Council.
The latest findings include four additional sets of human remains, on top of the seven disclosed last month. According to ODAIT, initial assessments suggest all eleven sets are infants, each buried in a coffin. Further analysis is ongoing.
The Long Road to Identification and Justice
The newly confirmed burial area lies roughly 100 metres from the notorious underground chambers where a government inquiry uncovered 'significant quantities' of remains in 2017.
Leading the operation is Director of Authorised Intervention Daniel MacSweeney, a veteran of International Committee of the Red Cross missions. Speaking after the confirmation, he said the discovery was 'very important.' He revealed that 160 people have already come forward to give DNA samples in hopes of identifying lost relatives and urged more to do the same.
The Bon Secours Sisters, who previously admitted children were 'buried in a disrespectful and unacceptable way' and issued an apology, have contributed £2.14 million to the excavation costs. Galway County Council, which apologised in 2021 for 'failing mothers and children,' has also supported the operation.
The massive excavation is expected to continue until 2027, with years of follow-up work to follow. The quest to finally give these children dignity, names, and a proper resting place remains far from over.
