Tuam Mother and Baby Home excavation uncovers 109 sets of remains

The excavation of the former St. Mary’s Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Co. Galway, has uncovered 109 sets of infant remains. The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT) reported that the latest search in the ‘tent 2’ area yielded 10 additional sets of remains.

Crucially, investigators noted that all 109 sets of remains recovered to date show evidence of being buried in coffins. This finding addresses previous claims that children’s remains had been “dumped” at the site, as the remains were found in coffins that had since disintegrated.

The site was operated by the Bon Secours Sisters on behalf of the Irish government between 1925 and 1961. The controversy gained international attention after historian Catherine Corless identified death certificates for 796 children that lacked corresponding burial records.

Forensic examination is currently underway at a local facility and the Toghermore mortuary. ODAIT is working with Forensic Science Ireland to conduct DNA testing, attempting to match skeletal elements to living relatives to facilitate identification.