On the 23rd of June, we held our 10th Bessborough Commemoration. It was a beautiful day. The lead-up to the day was anxious as there was much to do. The monument was washed and scrubbed, the area tidied up thanks to Christopher Kirwan. Daniel prepared the list of children born in Bessborough who died and Breda arranged the printing. The list of names looked monumental against the historic folly built around 1880. A place we refer to as the unofficial headstone of those who died.
The flower tribute was placed around the children’s memorial with painted stones remembering loved ones who have a connection to Bessborough. (click on the photos below to enlarge)
The guests started to arrive, mothers, adoptees, family, friends, journalists and public representatives.
The event started with an introduction from PJ Coogan, a radio presenter at 96fm who has been involved with the Commemoration from the beginning. PJ's commentary demonstrates his understanding of the issues surrounding adoption and all issues involving the Mother & Baby Institutions having been involved with adoption rights for over 20 years.
Next was our guest singer, Myles Gaffney. Myles performed a song that he had written for Joan McDermott, a mother who was in Bessborough in 1969. 'Song for Fallen Mothers' was brilliantly sung and resonated with many in the audience. I admit I had a tear or two listening to it. Myles performed another 2 songs and was accompanied by Kieran McCarthy for the last song 'Stand by Me'.
Next up was me. I talked about the outstanding planning application on the grounds and that our repeated requests to the government to investigate the grounds for burials have gone unanswered. I also talked about two women: Julia O'Donoghue and Ann Walsh who remained in Bessborough for 60 and 62 years (respectively). Both are buried in St Joseph's Cemetery in Cork.
Daniel Loftus of Project Infant spoke next. He read out the additional names found in the death register of those that died in Bessborough and they were added to the names listed on the boards that were on display. Daniel also asked for a minute’s silence to remember those who died.
Unfortunately, our planned guest speaker had tested positive for COVID-19 that morning and made the hard but sensible decision to stay away.
Patricia Carey, Special Advocate for Survivors spoke passionately about the issues affecting those who were in the institutions, those excluded, the adoptees in the institutions for less than 6 months and thousands who were boarded out. Patricia acknowledged the mothers and children who never left. She asked that we unite our voices and asked the question: “Why are we not marching on the streets in protest?”. Her full speech can be heard here:
Our next speaker, was Marie Barry reading out the story of an adoptee born in Bessborough as they wished to remain anonymous. It was heart-wrenching to hear the story of a child adopted into a poorly vetted family. The grandfather was a paedophile. She miscarried at the age of 12 years old on her own. She had some turbulent years but has now become an advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse. She is excluded from any redress as she spent less than 6 months in Bessborough. Her full story is here:
Next was Breeda Murphy of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home Alliance read the poem she wrote herself, for this special day. 'Lost Child' can be heard here:
The outgoing Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Kieran McCarthy spoke next. He had a vision for the Bessborough grounds to be turned into a memorial park. Kieran spoke passionately about the importance of storytelling.
"This gathering is a beacon or a lighthouse to not only tell the stories of what happened here, to the tell the human experiences of what happened but also lead the calls to break the selectiveness of Cork and Irish history and completing the multitude of memory banks that are only partly explored – and to learn from all of that."
~ Councillor Kieran McCarthy, June 23rd, 2024
His full speech is here: http://kieranmccarthy.ie/?p=21078
Next up was Madeleine, my mother. It was the first time she had spoken at the commemoration. Initially, she was going to say a poem but instead chose to say a few words about her time there. She spoke about first arriving at Bessborough at the age of 17. Madeleine became very ill in Bessborough after the place where she received an injection became infected. This was likely the same infection that was passed onto her baby who became sick at 3 days old. Her pleas for baby William to be seen by a doctor were ignored for 2 weeks. He eventually went to hospital but sadly died at 6 weeks old. Madeleine is in the process of seeking an inquest for her baby as she believes if William got timely medical care he would be alive today. Her words can be heard here:
We concluded the event by gathering at the Blackrock Inn. A chance to meet others and catch up.
A special thank you to Holly Mullarkey for making and gifting porcelain of babies’ shoes and bowls imprinted with lace containing baby bones. Her work and kindness are so very appreciated.
Also thanks to Helen Kiely O’Regan for her wonderful poetry which hung on display.
The entire event was recorded and can be found here.