Experts excavating the site of a former mother-and-baby institution in County Galway have found a further 22 sets of infant remains, bringing the total number recovered to 99. The latest update from the team in Tuam covers a period of around six weeks until 15 July this year.
The institution for unmarried mothers and their children was in operation from 1925 until 1961. It came to international attention in 2014 after local historian Catherine Corless discovered there were 796 death certificates for children and babies who died there, but no burial records.
Where were the latest remains found?
The 22 remains were found in coffins in an area on the south-western edge of the site that historical documents identified as a "burial ground". The latest 22 sets of remains were found under 'Tent 2'.
The excavation began a year ago. The bodies are being taken to a new mortuary and laboratory in Toghermore in Tuam, a facility fitted out by the agency carrying out the excavation, the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT).
What will happen to the remains now?
ODAIT said experts will clean, dry and examine the remains "with the goal of reconstructing details of their lives and deaths", potentially including their age and sex. The process will include radiology and 3D scanning.
ODAIT explained:
"These details may narrow the number of possible matching individuals and help to connect a skeletal individual with a name."
Sixty-two people have now given DNA samples to help identify remains.
What is the next phase of the excavation?
Full excavation has not yet begun in the area of a memorial garden, where in 2017 investigators found "significant quantities" of remains in underground chambers. The excavation is expected to continue until 2027, with follow-up work expected to last several more years.
The institution at Tuam was owned by Galway County Council and run by the Bon Secours Sisters. The order has previously acknowledged that children and infants were
"buried in a disrespectful and unacceptable way", and apologised. It has contributed £2.14m towards the cost of the excavation.
Galway County Council also apologised for
"failing mothers and children"after the inquiry report in 2021.
The team excavating the site have found 99 sets of infant remains in total.
Key Facts
- 22 further sets of infant remains were found in Tuam, County Galway.
- The total number recovered at the site is now 99.
- The institution operated from 1925 to 1961.
- ODAIT is moving the remains to a mortuary and laboratory in Toghermore in Tuam.
- Sixty-two people have given DNA samples to help with identification.
