Engineers have recently completed a ground-penetrating geophysical scan at the historical site of the former Sean Ross Abbey mother and baby home. This undertaking aimed to unearth the resting places of numerous children who tragically perished at the facility. The survey, conducted on Monday, marked the culmination of nearly three years of persistent advocacy by the advocacy group, “We Are Still Here.”
Survivor of Sean Ross Abbey, Teresa Collins, and campaigner Michael O’Donovan tirelessly lobbied the government to secure funding for the examination of previously unexplored areas on the site. The group’s primary goal is to locate the graves of hundreds of children who passed away while under the care of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary order at the Roscrea, Co Tipperary institution.
Historical records reveal that between 1931 and 1969, 1,090 children lost their lives at the mother and baby home. However, during a previous scan in 2019, only 42 graves were discovered.
The same religious order also managed Bessborough mother and baby home in Cork and Castlepollard in Co Westmeath.
Teresa Collins of the “We Are Still Here” Group described the day as “historic,” expressing gratitude for the collective effort that led to the start of the scans at Sean Ross Abbey. The Department of Children provided funding for the group to carry out additional scans at the site.
In 2019, the Commission of Inquiry conducted a ground-penetrating scan on the Angel’s plot, revealing 42 of the 1,090 graves. Nevertheless, for several years, numerous campaigners and supporters have tirelessly worked to locate the remaining graves.
Earlier this year, the Irish Examiner reported that further scanning at Sean Ross Abbey had been secured through funding by the “We Are Still Here” group. A team of engineers from Limerick commenced work on the site, clearing hedges and brambles to facilitate the scans.
The radar technology used by the engineers can detect unnatural movements beneath the surface, and the results of Monday’s tests will determine whether further, more in-depth examinations, such as test excavations or slit trenches—a less invasive method of ground assessment—are necessary.
In a statement, the Department of Children noted that the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes had included a Forensic Archaeological Investigation report for Sean Ross Abbey’s Children’s Burial Ground. The Commission, prompted by concerns regarding the burial ground at Sean Ross Abbey, confirmed the presence of infant human burials across the Children’s Burial Ground, most of which were found with evidence of coffins (84%). While the Commission could not conclusively state that all children who died at Sean Ross were buried in the designated burial ground without complete excavation, it did not find further investigation warranted.
