Recent excavation efforts in Tuam, Ireland, aim to recover the remains of approximately 800 unidentified infants and young children buried in mass graves. These children remained unacknowledged for over 65 years until a local historian uncovered the graves a decade ago. The excavation is led by Ireland’s Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, collaborating with international experts. The remains will be exhumed, analyzed, and identified, with expected complexities in the process due to mingled remains and lack of archival records. Mother and baby homes in Ireland historically provided shelter to unmarried women and faced significant issues of neglect.
The excavation in Tuam, which has begun, will uncover the remains of about 800 unidentified infants and young children buried in mass graves for over 65 years.
Ireland's ODAIT, in collaboration with international experts, is leading the complex excavation at the site of St Mary's, a former mother and baby home.
Daniel MacSweeney, ODAIT director, stated that remains will be exhumed, analyzed, and after identification, reburied while highlighting the challenges of the process.
Mother and baby homes were set up for unmarried pregnant women in 20th-century Ireland, often operated by religious institutions, amid significant societal neglect.
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