A large group of individuals gathered at the Bessborough graveyard folly in Blackrock, Cork city, for a solemn vigil commemorating the lives of over 900 children who died at the former mother and baby home between 1922 and 1998. The event attracted more than 250 attendees, including survivors, family members, local politicians, and activists. The vigil served as both a remembrance and a call to action, highlighting concerns about the proposed development of the site into residential apartments.
Participants honored the memory of 923 children who perished during their time at the facility, with only 64 of them having known burial sites. In addition, the vigil acknowledged the 31 women who died either within the institution or in hospitals after being residents there. Each of these women's names was recited publicly during the ceremony, underscoring the personal impact of the tragedy on families and communities.
The development plans for the site have sparked significant controversy. Earlier this year, Estuary View Enterprises received planning approval from Cork City Council to construct 140 apartments on the grounds. This decision has led to legal challenges, with the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home Support Group and Labour councillor Peter Horgan filing appeals with An Coimisiún Pleanála. A ruling on these appeals is anticipated by July 9th, creating a critical juncture for those opposing the development.
At the vigil, Noelle Brown, a Social Democrats councillor from Dublin who was born at Bessborough, expressed deep concern over the legacy of neglect and cruelty associated with the home. She emphasized the need for accountability regarding the actions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary nuns who managed the facility for decades. Brown urged attendees to reach out to their elected officials and the planning authority to ensure their voices are heard, warning that continued resistance would follow if the appeal decision does not favor their cause.
Carmel Cantwell, representing the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home Support Group, highlighted the importance of preserving the site as a "national site of conscience." Her brother, William, had died at the home, and she spoke passionately about the lack of comprehensive investigations into the fate of the children who were born there. Cantwell noted that 859 children have no recorded burial locations, emphasizing the emotional weight carried by those who seek answers about their loved ones' final resting places.
The vigil included musical performances and tributes from survivors and their families, with singer Camille O'Sullivan contributing to the atmosphere of reflection and solidarity. Teddy bears were placed on the ground near the folly, symbolizing the innocence of the children who once lived there. Attendees also observed a minute of silence in honor of those who died at the site, reinforcing the collective grief and determination felt among participants.
Local Cork City councillors who oppose the development plan joined the gathering, showing support for the community's stance against the proposed construction. Their presence underscored the broader political implications of the issue, as well as the potential for further legislative engagement in response to the upcoming decision on the appeals.
As the date for the appeal decision approaches, the community remains vigilant, ready to take further steps if necessary to protect the historical significance of the site. The ongoing efforts reflect a commitment to honoring the past while seeking justice for those affected by the tragic history of the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home.
2 reports
The Irish TimesIndependent🔒Left5 days agoSurvivors of the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home in Cork gathered at a vigil to oppose plans to develop the site into residential apartments. Over 250 people attended the event, commemorating the 923 children and 31 women who died at the facility between 1922 and 1998. Developer Estuary View Enterprises received planning permission from Cork City Council, prompting appeals from the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home Support Group and Labour councillor Peter Horgan. Survivors expressed willingness to take direct action, including chaining themselves to construction equipment, if necessary. Noelle Brown, a Social Democrat councillor, urged attendees to engage with local representatives and the Planning Commission. Carmel Cantwell highlighted the lack of comprehensive records for many deceased individuals and called for the site to be recognized as a 'national site of conscience.' The event included tributes to survivors and their families, as well as cultural elements such as music and symbolic gestures.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the opposition to the development as a moral and historical imperative, emphasizing the suffering of past residents and calling for preservation of the site. It highlights activism from left-leaning groups and politicians, uses emotive language around 'neglect and cruelty,' and en
TheJournal.ieIndependentLeft5 days agoSurvivors and supporters of the former Bessborough Mother and Baby Home in Cork, Ireland, are preparing to take direct action to block the construction of apartments on the site. The development, approved by Cork City Council, has sparked outrage among those affected by the historical institution, which operated from 1922 to 1998 and saw the deaths of over 900 children and 31 women. A vigil was held to honor the victims, with calls for accountability for the nuns who ran the facility. Survivors plan to chain themselves to construction equipment if necessary to halt the project. Appeals against the planning decision are pending, with a ruling expected on 9 July. Advocates argue the site should be preserved as a 'national site of conscience' rather than developed for housing.
Bias read (Left): The article emphasizes the moral and historical significance of preserving the site, criticizes the actions of religious authorities, and highlights the need for accountability and justice for past victims. The framing focuses on the rights of the deceased and survivors, advocating for a shift away,
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