Latest news with #ThePhoneBoxBabies
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Three siblings abandoned as babies long to hear more of their Kerry connections
David McBride, Helen Ward and John Dowling were all abandoned as new-born babies in the 1960s and have rediscovered each other despite all the odds and have now also made significant discoveries about their parents – including their mother Marcella Somers. Their mother was a Catholic woman from north Kerry, while their father was a protestant shop-keeper from Dublin, Billy Watson. He was a married man with 14 children, who was in a secret relationship with their mother, an affair spanning more than 40 years. They were seen together in Dublin in 1993 before he died at the age of 82. Their mother passed away in 2017, aged 90 and is buried in north Kerry. Their love affair in 1960s Ireland led to the what the siblings believe was a difficult and heart-breaking decision to abandon all three of them to give them new homes. They are known as foundlings, given all three were left in locations they would be immediately found in. All three grew up in happy homes and just in recent years, through appeals and DNA, discovered each other's existence. But they too discovered more details about their biological parents, including their Kerry mother who lived in Dublin for much of her life. Their amazing story was recounted in The Phone Box Babies, a new documentary on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player this week. Helen Ward, born in 1968, was discovered by Macroom lorry driver Donal Boyle on the floor of a phone box on the Dublin Road in Dundalk and was adopted, aged 13 months, by the Ward family in Dublin, where she had a happy childhood. David McBride, who was left in a car belonging to a doctor's wife in a Belfast driveway in 1962 and ultimately adopted by William and Emma McBride, grew up in Lisburn. He now lives in Birmingham. Another brother John Dowling was just a few days old when he was found in May 1965 by Drogheda journalist Paul Murphy and his friend Pat Bailey, also in phone box, and was given up for his adoption. Helen called Joe Duffy's Liveline to share her story in the hope of finding out more about her background, when she was 44, setting of a train of events that saw her reunited with David on on a special edition of ITV documentary Long Lost Family in 2020. They were also reunited with John after his daughter saw the programme. The three siblings also believe there may be a fourth child and they would love to meet them. It was a funny moment sitting in the chair where she sat and I could reflect on life through her eyes The new documentary traces the lives of the babies who were adopted by families in different parts of the country and later discovered that they were in fact full siblings. It follows them as the reconnect with extended family and learn about their parents. For all three siblings a visit to Kilcara nursing home in Duagh where their mother spent the last years of her life helped them learn about the woman who was forced to abandon them, as staff their recalled her love of music and singing. They recalled a special doll that belonged to her which was always with her and maybe have been a symbol of the children she had to give up. Helen said the moment when she sits in her mother's chair in the nursing home resonated with her. "It was a funny moment sitting in the chair where she sat and I could reflect on life through her eyes. I was sitting somewhere she very much spend her last years,' she said. She said life must have been difficult for their mother and it was not an easy decision to give her three children but none of born ill will towards her or their father. "It can't have been easy but understanding of that time in the '60s," said Helen. And now they have visited Kerry, they would love to hear more stories and learn of more connections. I would love people that knew her to reach out with stories and give us further insight into her. There are things we don't know Speaking to The Kerryman, Helen said she understands that this is a difficult journey for everyone involved and many may not want to speak out and may need time to process the situation they would always love to hear about their mother if people are comfortable. "For me personally I think I would love people that knew her to reach out with stories and give us further insight into her. There are things we don't know.' "She died in 2017 but maybe stories have been passed down through generations.' She said they have been 'very lucky' so many have shared stories, including snooker legend Ken Doherty whose mother was good friends with Marcella and said she was always full of fun. This too was recounted by their cousin Elizabeth, who stayed in contact with their mother and shared her stories of the Kerry woman and her love of life and music.
RTÉ News
03-07-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
The Phone Box Babies - a search for truth, identity and belonging
In 1960s Ireland, three newborn babies were abandoned in different parts of the country and left without any clue to their identity. Fifty years later, those three children discover they are connected and embark on an emotional journey to uncover their identities. A remarkable new RTÉ documentary, The Phone Box Babies, tells their story. One of the 'foundlings', Helen Ward, writes about her search for identity and their experiences while making the documentary. I was nine years old when someone subtly mentioned that I was the adopted one in the family. In that moment, I felt singled out, as if the truth in those words was meant to find me. It was February 5th, 1969, when I was brought to my new home in Co. Meath, a day that marked the beginning of my new life. My parents, devout Catholics in their mid-forties, were united and loving, creating a supportive and stable home as I was growing up. Reflecting on the words "the adopted one" brought a sense of being different and not belonging. Despite endless conversations with my mum about my adoption, she had little to contribute beyond a listening ear and an understanding of my thirst for answers. My dad, on the other hand, was the one who looked after the affairs of the house. Old-fashioned, one might say, he had the final word on family matters and held the key document on my adoption. At 18, I remember broaching the subject with him, which, to my aversion, was swiftly dismissed with four words: "Let sleeping dogs lie." A fire within me continues to ignite my pursuit of understanding the wider picture. Rejected in my endeavour, I chose to go it alone. I reached out to Barnardos Ireland, which opened my eyes to the possible trials and tribulations that lay ahead. Stories of rejection, difficult searches, paperwork, legalities and formalities. All of which drove me back to my comfort zone; home. Significant events throughout my life surfaced feelings of emptiness and sadness, particularly during pregnancy. A time that should have been filled with excitement for the birth of my babies was instead met with silent images in my head of my biological mother and what her journey might have entailed while pregnant with me. At 35, I arranged to meet with a social worker about my adoption. My expectations were high, fuelled with hope of finding answers. My birth certificate uncovered truths that I hadn't been prepared for: "Living newborn child found exposed on Ladywell Terrace, Dundalk. Father Unknown. Mother Unknown." Each word felt cold and hollow. Abandoned from birth, I had been found by a lorry driver on the floor of a phone box, wrapped in a green tartan bag, well-dressed, and with a warm bottle, approximately two days old on Tuesday, the 12th of March at 9:30pm in 1968. Swiftly taken to Louth County Hospital, I was given the name Aileen Brenda Marsh and later transferred to St. Joseph's Baby Home (St. Clare's Convent, Stamullen, Co. Meath), where my journey truly began. For most people, identity is a given, but for many like me, it has been a complete mystery. On my 44th birthday in 2012, I went on national radio, Liveline with Joe Duffy. Within seconds, I was on air, connecting with the people who found me after I was left in the phone box. Sergeant Michael Conneally left listeners enthralled with his heartfelt words, and Donal Boyle, the lorry driver, spoke of his experience that night. After all the excitementsurrounding these events, a waiting period passed, and any hope was lost for the one person who held all the answers to come forward. As the years went by, the chances of finding information grew increasingly remote. DNA testing became my last resort, a gift I received on my 50th birthday. I describe it today as the "gift that keeps on giving." In July 2019, I received an unexpected call from a social worker in the UK enquiring about my background in relation to the DNA test. As the conversation unfolded, I tried hard to absorb the words without imploding with hysteria and disbelief: "We have found your brother, a full sibling." I finally got to meet David in person on ITV's Long Lost Family show, Born Without Trace. A moment to remember, an experience beyond words, a true miracle. Both David and I are foundlings, and for the first time in my life, my identity and sense of belonging became common ground with the one person I now call my brother. Over the following weeks and months, information came to light about our biological parents and 14 half-siblings. It brought closure to part of my journey while opening a new and exciting world of unexpected twists. Years ago, I stumbled upon a story in Drogheda that seemed so similar to mine. Who would have thought it would turn out to be another full sibling, my brother John. Credit goes to my beautiful niece, John's daughter Donna, who saw the Long Lost Family show and acted on her intuition. One became three, and the unique connection between us as siblings and family continues to grow. A fire within me continues to ignite my pursuit of understanding the wider picture. This journey brings its difficulties. Establishing family relationships has been a gradual process of patience and mutual trust. It has opened my eyes to the remnants of traditions, pride, and unspoken history that are still very much alive. An amazing opportunity presented itself when I was contacted by RTÉ. I saw it as a valuable opportunity to explore my journey further as I felt I had a lot more questions after taking part in Long Lost Family. Did anyone remember our biological parents? And could they give us an insight into their lives, their love story, their individual personalities and characteristics. These stories would have remained untold had we not taken part in the documentary. I wholeheartedly embraced the experience, which has been healing, enlightening, and truly rewarding.
Irish Independent
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming picks: The Phone Box Babies, American Woman and The Cult of American Apparel
Live UEFA Women's Euro 2025 RTÉ2, 4.30pm & 7.30pm The Swiss-based tournament begins with Iceland v Finland at Arena Thun. It's immediately followed by Norway's clash with the hosts at St Jakob-Park in Basel. Can't Sell, Must Sell Channel 4, 8pm Sibling property experts Stuart and Scarlette Douglas's new series involves turning supposedly unsellable homes into des res. They begin with a cluttered but quaint cottage and a pink 'palace'. The Phone Box Babies RTÉ One, 9.35pm Documentary charting the lives of three people abandoned at birth in the 1960s, revealing how their stories are inextricably linked to the Ireland of the past. We follow the trio as they unearth the truth about their origins, why they were given up, and learn about family members. American Woman Channel 4, 1.55am Gritty drama from the writer of Mare of Easttown; the two projects share some similarities too. Here, Sienna Miller plays a working-class woman struggling to come to terms with her teenage daughter's disappearance while raising her grandson. The Eclipse TG4, 10.30pm The detectives discover that Nour had been having an affair with an older man, which puts a new spin on the investigation into her murder. They also learn about the teenager's secret ambitions and begin to wonder if they may have played a part in her tragic downfall. ADVERTISEMENT The Old Guard 2 Netflix, streaming now Charlize Theron's Andy returns alongside her band of immortal fighters, driven by a refreshed commitment to safeguarding humanity. Fans of The Sandman will be thrilled to learn that the second and final instalment lands tomorrow. Tour de France: Unchained Netflix, streaming now In its final season, expect a high-stakes clash between cycling's elite and bold new challengers. Young Sheldon Netflix, streaming now Bear with me; both Disney+ and Netflix have had six seasons of Young Sheldon for years. Now, after an excruciating wait, Netflix has got its mittens on season seven. If you're rolling your eyes thinking, 'Hasn't that Big Bang offshoot been around forever?' Yes, it has, but it's far (far) superior to its predecessor. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Season 2 Reunion Special Disney+, streaming now How's that for a title? Following season two's dramatic finale, host Nick Viall brings #MomTok and #DadTok back together for revelations, unseen clips, and a surprise twist. Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel Netflix, streaming now I don't know about you, but I'm not sure where I'd be without our Tuesday Trainwreck instalment. The American Apparel brand soared in the early Noughties with salacious ads and ethical wear, but behind the scenes, chaotic leadership and misconduct allegations sent the brand into a downward spiral. For more stark viewing, Attack on London: Hunting The 7/7 Bombers is streaming now. Shark Whisperer Netflix, streaming now Whether you deem her a social media opportunist or a 'changemaking' conservationist, you can't quibble with the (literal) name Ocean Ramsay has made for herself. Melding striking visuals with a close character study, the film dissects the ethical and ecological dilemmas at the heart of environmental activism. Perspectives from scientists, indigenous voices, and conservationists — on all sides — reveal the complexity of Ramsay and the issues she raises. Squid Game Netflix, streaming now Brace yourselves… In the wildly anticipated third and final season of Squid Game, Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae, aka player 456) returns. Haunted by incremental loss, he's determined to end the deadly competition once and for all. His clash with the enigmatic Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) escalates into a (surprise, surprise) grave battle of strategy and morality, as new games and old enemies collide. With the expected level of twists — including a baby being added to the mix and the viral Gachapon craze (plastic vending balls to you) putting in a pivotal appearance — the stakes are high. As surviving players face progressively brutal choices, the line between justice and tainted vengeance increasingly blurs. Can humanity survive the harshest reality? As the world awaits the final answer, writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk promises a powerful conclusion to the global phenomenon. I think we'll be the collective judges of that. The Charles Ponzi Story AppleTV+, streaming now We've all heard of Ponzi schemes, but what do you know of their namesake? He was a broke immigrant based in 1920s Boston, who rocketed to wealth and infamy in mere months by orchestrating what would become known as the infamous scheme, one of history's boldest financial frauds. For more stories inspired by true events, try Smoke starring Taron Egerton, John Leguizamo and Greg Kinnear.
RTÉ News
26-06-2025
- RTÉ News
RTÉ presents new documentary on the origin stories of three abandoned babies in 1960s Ireland
This July, RTÉ presents The Phone Box Babies, a documentary revealing new insights into the lives and identities of three newborn babies abandoned in the 1960s in different parts of Ireland. The babies were discovered by random passersby in phone boxes, and in a car, without any identifying information or clue to their origins. This new documentary airing on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player uncovers details about the babies' parents, where they came from, and why they were given up. Fifty years later, as adults, they discover their connection to each other and embark on an emotional journey to uncover their identities. David McBride, born in 1962, was left in a car in a Belfast driveway. John Dowling, born in 1965, was found in a Drogheda phone box. Helen Ward, born in 1968, was discovered in a Dundalk phone box. Each was adopted and raised in different parts of Ireland. In 2020, David and Helen discovered they were brother and sister through DNA technology and were reunited on the ITV series Long Lost Family. To their shock and joy, they subsequently found John, a third full sibling. They believe there is a fourth sibling out there and are hoping this documentary will encourage that person to get in touch. United in their desire to uncover more of the truth about their family and the circumstances surrounding their parents' decision to abandon them, the documentary follows the siblings as they uncover untold stories that reflect the Ireland of the past. Their mother was a young Catholic woman from the Republic of Ireland who, in the 1940s, began a affair with a married Protestant man from Northern Ireland, who was 17 years her senior and had 14 children of his own. This affair endured for decades and, in that time, David, John, and Helen were born – and given up. Speaking about the documentary, Helen Ward said: 'This documentary has opened up the lines of communication about our biological parents, with people willing to share their stories. I hope the documentary fosters understanding and empathy, especially about what it's like to have to question your roots. I hope it encourages people to be open and receptive to helping others with similar experiences. The longing for connection with family is valid and deeply human.' With both biological parents now deceased, the siblings confront painful truths about their parents' complex relationship and the impact of this abandonment on their own lives. They face a challenging journey in their quest for answers, but with the support of newly discovered half-siblings and family friends (including snooker legend Ken Doherty), they remain determined to unearth the buried secrets of their family's past, in the hope that it will bring them closer together. The Phone Box Babies airs on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Wednesday 2 July at 9:35pm -Ends- Date: 26 June 2025
The Journal
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Siblings abandoned as babies and reunited 50 years later believe they may have another brother
THREE PEOPLE WHO were abandoned as babies in different parts of Ireland in the 1960s – and later discovered they were siblings – believe there is a fourth sibling and that a new documentary could encourage them to make contact. The remarkable story, which captured media attention on both sides of the border, will be explored in a new documentary called The Phone Box Babies. It will air next week, on Wednesday 2 July at 9.35pm, on RTÉ One. It promises to reveal new insights into the lives of three people who were abandoned as babies and discovered that they were siblings over five decades later. News clipping about David McBride being found in the front seat of a car in Dunmurry on the outskirts of Belfast in 1962 The three babies were discovered by random passersby in phone boxes, and in a car, without any identifying information. David McBride, born in 1962, was found in a duffle bag in the front seat of a car in Dunmurry on the outskirts of Belfast. John Dowling, born in 1965, was found in a Drogheda phone box. Helen Ward, born in 1968, was discovered in a tartan duffel bag in a Dundalk phone box. Each was adopted and raised in different parts of Ireland. But in 2020, David and Helen discovered they were brother and sister through DNA technology and were reunited on the ITV series Long Lost Family, presented by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell. And on the other side of the planet in Australia, John Dowling's daughter watched the ITV programme and noticed that her father bore a resemblance to David. She asked her father to take a DNA test and it revealed that John was another full blood sibling to David and Helen. Advertisement David McBride, born in 1962, holds news clipping about being found in the front seat of a car in Dunmurry on the outskirts of Belfast. However, the three siblings now believe there is a fourth sibling out there and are hopeful that the new RTÉ documentary will encourage that person to get in touch. Helen previously told UTV that she believes the fourth sibling could be a baby boy that was found in a phone box in Newry, Co Down, in May 1963. 'Why not just pick up the phone or email us, even if he just wants to chat about it,' Helen told UTV last year. 'We're all very private people in our own right, we've great respect for each other and that would go exactly for him as well,' she added. Meanwhile, an RTÉ spokesperson said the documentary follows the siblings as they 'uncover untold stories that reflect the Ireland of the past'. Their mother was a young Catholic woman from the Republic of Ireland who, in the 1940s, began an affair with a married Protestant man from Northern Ireland. He was 17 years her senior and had 14 children of his own. This affair endured for decades and, in that time, David, John, and Helen were born – and abandoned. Speaking ahead of the documentary airing, Helen said it has 'opened up the lines of communication about our biological parents, with people willing to share their stories'. Helen Ward, born in 1968, holds news clipping about her being discovered in a Dundalk phone box. RTÉ RTÉ She said she hopes the documentary can 'foster understanding and empathy, especially about what it's like to have to question your roots'. Helen also expressed hope that it can 'encourage people to be open and receptive to helping others with similar experiences'. 'The longing for connection with family is valid and deeply human,' she added. Both biological parents are now deceased, and an RTÉ spokesperson said the siblings 'confront painful truths about their parents' complex relationship and the impact of this abandonment on their own lives'. However, they also receive the support of newly discovered half-siblings and family friends, including snooker legend Ken Doherty, in their quest to 'unearth the buried secrets of their family's past'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
