Excavations Begin at Tuam Mass Grave Site
Excavations have started at a suspected mass grave at the former Tuam mother and baby home in western Ireland, where remains of hundreds of children are believed to be buried in a disused septic tank. The site, run by Catholic nuns from 1925 to 1961, housed unmarried pregnant women and their children, many of whom died or were adopted under harsh conditions.

Historian Catherine Corless uncovered evidence in 2014 suggesting 796 children died there. A state investigation later found 9,000 child deaths across similar institutions nationwide. The current two-year excavation, led by Ireland’s ODAIT and international experts, aims to exhume, identify, and respectfully re-inter the remains. DNA collection from relatives is ongoing.

“It’s been a fierce battle,” said Corless. “At last we are righting the wrongs.”