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Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
HSE has no burial records for 80 mother and baby home children who died at Galway hospital
The Health Service Executive has said it has no burial records for the 80 children who died at Galway hospital having been admitted from the Tuam mother and baby home during its operation. Research uncovered by local history Catherine Corless in 2014, showed there are death certificates for 796 children who died in the Bons Secours Catholic-run home between 1925 and 1961. A Commission of Inquiry which was established following the emergence of the scandal also found a further 80 children died in the former Galway Central hospital after being admitted from the Tuam home. Ms Corless could not find any burial records for the children in Tuam and test excavations at the former grounds of the institutions for unmarried mothers in 2016 found a 'significant quantity of human remains' in a disused sewage tank. The country's first ever mass grave exhumation began at the site on July 14 and is expected to take at least two years. The Irish Examiner requested information on the remainder of the children who died when they were moved from Tuam to Galway hospital and other surrounding hospitals — or were born there as a result of complications in pregnancy. The Commission's findings show 80 children died in the Galway Central hospital, eight children died in other hospitals and a further 80 died in the Glenadmaddy institution that preceded the Tuam home. The HSE North West said: 'There are no documented process for the burial of babies historically. The only known practice for the burial of babies by the hospital is that they would have been buried in Bothermore Cemetery, in the area known as the Plot of the Angels. 'Regrettably the hospital burial records are incomplete as the significance of this was not fully appreciated until more recent years.' 'I don't know what happened to him' One of the 80 children who died while in Galway Central hospital is 94-year-old Christina Tully's son Michael who was stillborn following a complex breech delivery. Ms Tully, who is from Loughrea, was 18 at the time. She said: 'I never saw him, they just said, 'the baby has died' and that was it. 'I have prayed for him all my life but I don't know what happened to him. His father was not the marrying type but I had a second baby with him and he was taken and adopted. I wanted to keep both of the boys." Patrick Naughton who was born Christopher Tully after his brother and adopted by the nuns, found his mother Ms Tully more than a decade ago and they have tried to locate Michael's place of burial or whereabouts ever since. 'With all the forced adoptions and the question mark over falsifications of deaths certs Michael could be alive and the closer my mother comes to death the more she has to face two dilemmas — he is either in the mass grave somewhere or adopted illegally," said Mr Naughton. "It is utterly unacceptable that the hospital has no records for these children." Ms Tully requested information from Galway hospital about her son's death but there is only one record in existence that states 'return to the Tuam home'. 'That could mean anything, those words have tortured me', she explained. 'And now the hospital says they have no records at all. So where is my child will I ever find out?'
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Michael Flatley says he's 'seriously considering' run for Irish president
Lord of the Dance and Riverdance star Michael Flatley has confirmed he is 'seriously considering' running for the Áras. As first reported by the Irish Examiner, informed sources indicated that the businessman is prepared to enter the presidential race and is seriously considering a run. On Saturday, Mr Flatley said: 'Everywhere I walk down the street, people stop and ask me" about running for president. 'I take it seriously,' he added. The dancer said he now has a 'team of advisers' guiding him on the matter. When asked about his intentions on RTÉ's Brendan O'Connor Show, Mr Flatley said his final decision would depend on whether he believed he could benefit the Irish people. He said that, at present, he believes the Irish people don't have a voice, and that if he thought he could be that voice, he would seriously consider running. 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people, I'm not sure we need another politician.' While he noted that no political party has contacted him, he added: 'I have been approached by some very weighted individuals — people in the know.' Flatley said it is 'frustrating' for Irish taxpayers who feel they are not being heard. 'Let it be said that I speak for Ireland and the Irish people.' Mr Flatley was among the invited guests at the White House in March when the Taoiseach presented a bowl of shamrock to US President Joe Biden. He also attended the US Embassy's Fourth of July celebrations in Dublin last Thursday, where he entertained over 2,500 guests with a tune on the flute. Read More Michael Flatley suffers setback in €1.4m legal costs row
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Cork people give their views on renaming of redeveloped city centre park
Corkonians have been vocal in their criticism of proposals to rename the city's Bishop Lucey Park amid concerns that a change may undermine their city's historical integrity. Passers-by near the amenity made their feelings known to the Irish Examiner following its closure to the public in December 2023 for redevelopment. Councillors in Cork City Hall recently voted 17-11 to approve a section 140 motion submitted by Workers' Party councillor Ted Tynan, Green Party councillor Oliver Moran, and Social Democrats councillor Niamh O'Connor, calling for the renaming process. Mr Tynan said much of the documented clerical abuse — sexual, physical, or psychological — occurred during Bishop Lucey's time, both as a serving priest and as bishop of the Diocese of Cork and Ross from his appointment in 1952 until his retirement in 1980. Fianna Fáil councillor Terry Shannon objected to the move, criticising what he described as 'this headlong rush to change for, what many people, are the old certainties'. Delia Manning: 'The name should stay as it is.' Picture: Chani Anderson Some people on the streets of Cork shared his views, including Delia Manning. 'Absolutely not,' Delia told this newspaper. 'The name should stay as it is. Bishop Lucey Park is here as long as it is and people are familiar with it. Why change it when it's part of Cork City? I say leave it as it is. We are all familiar with it and I'd like to see it stay that way. Ken Aherne was also taken aback by the proposals. 'Historically, it's known as Bishop Lucey Park. I don't see a particular need to change it. I'm one of those people who believes that cities have their own individual histories and these histories should be preserved where possible. There is no need for a name change.' He said that while he has no objections to 'Páirc na mBan Chorcaí' - a name suggested by Workers' Party councillor Ted Tynan - he feels it may not resonate, given the location. 'Places like Bessborough, where women really suffered, is where these tributes should be. I don't think Bishop Lucey Park has any connections like that.' Ken Aherne: 'I don't see a particular need to change it.' Picture: Chani Anderson Meanwhile, Lee O'Keeffe said he doesn't feel the proposed new name makes sense. 'I don't think the name should be changed but if it is to be renamed, I don't think it should be Páirc na mBan Chorcaí. I think something more relevant to the area would work better. "Something like UCC Páirc might make sense since Western Road is close to the park.' Some admitted they knew little about the bishop it was named after. Tony Kelliher: 'I don't have a problem with it staying the same and I don't have a problem with it changing either.' Picture: Chani Anderson Tony Kelleher added: 'I wouldn't know much about the man really but it's a traditional thing and that's what it's always been known as. I don't have a problem with it staying the same and I don't have a problem with it changing either. "I certainly have no problem with it being changed to Páirc na mBan Chorcaí. Why not?' Ruby Poland said she is supportive of a name change. Ruby Poland: 'Good to have less ties to Catholicism in the city.' Picture: Chani Anderson 'I suppose it's good to have less ties to Catholicism in the city,' she told the Irish Examiner. I think we need a better name to represent us as Irish people rather than Catholics. The proposed new name is a lot more inclusive so it's better for women. Denis Ryan, however, was keen to retain the name. 'Even though I'm new to Cork I'd keep it the same. I don't think I'd want to see a change.' Bishop Lucey became Bishop of Cork in 1952, with the diocese of Ross added six years later. He built five new churches named after the five Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary in the city's rapidly developing suburbs, and went on to oversee the foundation of 13 churches during his time as bishop. The historical figure set up St Anne's Adoption Society in 1954 and started the Cork diocesan mission to Peru in the mid-1960s. He died in 1982, and the park was named in his honour when it opened in 1985 as part of Cork 800 celebrations.
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
'I've promised not to leave him in Dublin if we lose': Cork and Tipp priests bring friendly rivalry to Croke Park
'God loves everybody, no matter what team you support.' That was the message from best friends Fr Patrick Fogarty and Fr Martin Barry who, despite supporting opposite teams, insist that this weekend will only bring them closer. Both based in the parish of Glanmire, Fr Fogarty is praying for a win for his home county of Tipperary. Meanwhile, Fr Barry is hoping that divine inspiration will help Cork over the line. Either way, this Sunday's Croke Park decider will serve as an opportunity for them to exemplify the true meaning of Christianity and - above all - friendship. The pair are looking forward to travelling to the match together this weekend. Fr Barry, who is 88, said that if Tipp secures the win he will give his best friend a hug. Fr Fogarty will do the same if Cork are victorious. Both have strong ties to their respective teams. Fr Fogarty is the brother of Cork hurler Paddy Barry who played as a left corner-forward for the Cork senior team up until 1964. This Sunday's Croke Park decider will serve as an opportunity for Fr Patrick Fogarty and Fr Martin Barry to exemplify the true meaning of Christianity and - above all - friendship. Picture: David Creedon 'I wouldn't want to change the fact that Pat and I support different teams, Fr Martin told the Irish Examiner. 'We will always be great friends.' Fr Patrick Fogarty is just as dedicated to his beloved Tipp. However, win, lose or draw there are some things that never change. 'If I lose I'll still be happy for Fr Pat,' Fr Barry said. 'If Cork wins he'll be happy for me. We are praying for a win of course. I'm praying for Cork and he's praying for Tipperary. But when we go to the match it will be together, with him wearing the Tipperary colours and me wearing the Cork colours.' Fr Barry paid tribute to his pal. 'He is a very special man who is good with families, young and old. He is as committed to his work as he is to his county.' Cork lost out by a point, 3-29 to 1-34, to Clare in last year's final. Tipp, on the other hand took home the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2019. 'I wouldn't even try to convert Fr Pat. We are still friends no matter what. You play hard but at the end of the day you shake hands with your opponent. "It's the same with Pat Fogarty and myself. People are amused when they see us walking together in the different colours and without embarrassment. Our friendship transcends all boundaries. "This is a theme we are seeing with other people too. There have been so many lovely photographs in the media of families sporting both Tipperary and Cork colours. This has been really nice to see.' Fr Fogarty echoed his sentiment. 'We have a wonderful friendship,' he told the Irish Examiner. 'Martin is such an inspiring man. Cork and Tipperary have a good rivalry but there is also a great bond between the fans. I was gifted a jersey with half the Tipp colours and the other half Cork. Fr Patrick Fogarty and Fr Martin Barry are looking forward to travelling to the match together this weekend. Picture: David Creedon "I also know Pat Ryan and we all have huge respect for him. Martin and I are happy to be travelling to the match together because it reiterates the Christian message. God loves everybody, no matter what team they support.' He anticipates some tension, however, during the car trip home. 'There might be a bit of silence in the car on the way home but it won't last too long. I've promised not to leave him in Dublin if Tipp lose.' He said the experience may be bitter sweet. 'Of course, I'll be disappointed if it doesn't happen for us. There will be a lot of mixed emotions and I'm sure it will be the same for Martin.' Read More Cork and Tipp fans furious as All-Ireland final ticket chaos sparks calls for GAA review
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Cork City buses to introduce 90-minute free transfer Leap fare from next month
A new 90-minute Leap card flat fare is being introduced on Cork's city bus network next month that will allow passengers free transfer between buses for multi-leg journeys. A new distance-based fare structure is also being introduced in a new commuter zone outside the city zone that will extend to some 30km from the city centre. However, plans to introduce a new 'tap-on tap-off' payment system on the bus fleet around the same time have been delayed due to technical and software issues, the Irish Examiner has learned. It follows the adoption of a new fares policy and two new fares zones for Cork by the board of the National Transport Authority (NTA). The fares will be introduced in three phases from next month, with the flat 90-minute Leap card fare introduced first, applying initially to Cork City bus services only. The second stage, scheduled for later this year, will see a flat 90-minute Leap card bus and rail fare, applying to city bus services and to rail services between Kent, Little Island and Glounthane stations. The fare will be set higher than the bus-only 90-minute fare in stage one, which will then be discontinued. And next year, stage three will see the introduction of distance-based commuter bus fares in the new Cork Commuter Zone, which is outside the city zone and extends 30km from the city centre to include the rest of the commuter train stations, including Midleton and Mallow, as well as commuter bus services operating in the area that extends to just south Fermoy, and takes in Bandon and Kinsale. However, plans to install a pole-mounted Leap card validator system on buses to allow passengers board and pay without having to go to the driver have been delayed over technical and software issues. The new fares structure, similar to the TFI 90-minute fare that operates in Dublin across the capital's bus and Luas network, is seen as a vital part of the BusConnects project. The fare changes will apply to the existing bus network before the Cork BusConnects network is introduced, from next April. Green Party Cllr Oliver Moran said they will have a real impact. 'They're the first stage of the overall BusConnects programme that people will actually experience. They'll make a real difference to passengers and services here and now, where people will really feel it,' he said. 'In the next five to 10 years, we need to draw more people onto public transport in preparation for high-frequency commuter rail, BusConnects and eventually the Luas. Public transport has to be the go-to choice for commuting in the city in that time period.' Despite the delay in the introduction of the tap-on, tap-off payment system, Mr Moran said once it's introduced, it will mean faster boarding. 'That's going to help with queuing times at busy stops like St Patrick's Street, Kent Station and Clontarf Street. It means in overall journey times, a bus driver can travel faster too along a route.' Read More Is more congestion in Cork City an inevitability?
