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Excavation at the former Tuam mother and baby home has recovered 10 more infant remains, bringing the total to 109 as DNA identification efforts continue.
The remains of 10 more infants have been discovered at the site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam, County Galway, bringing the total number of bodies recovered to 109. The forensic excavation, led by the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam ( Odait), has been ongoing since July 2025 and is expected to take two years.
Latest Discoveries at Tuam Site
In an update on Friday, Odait said the additional 10 infants were recovered from a specific location excavated by hand, where the remains of 22 infants had been found previously. Evidence of coffins was found with all 10 sets of remains. The latest discoveries bring the total number of human remains found on site to 109.
The institution was run by the Bon Secours religious order between 1925 and 1961. In 2014, research by local historian Catherine Corless revealed that 796 children died at the institution. A lack of burial records indicated the children could have been buried on the site.
Forensic Analysis and DNA Identification
After a previous update in July, Odait senior forensic archaeologist Niamh McCullagh said it was possible that hundreds of remains could be found at the site, noting 99 sets of remains had been found at that point within such a concentrated space. She said it was not outside the realms of probability that up to 800 individuals would be found, but it was impossible to say at that point.
Forensic analysis of the latest remains is now under way at the forensic facility and mortuary in the nearby village of Toghermore. Odait said forensic anthropologists were undertaking the analysis, ensuring all human remains recovered are examined with care and treated with dignity throughout the forensic process.
During the same period, from July 16th to September 30th, Odait collected an additional 12 DNA reference samples that had been delivered to Forensic Science Ireland. This brings to 74 the total number of DNA reference samples taken to date.
DNA Sampling and Legal Changes
Under the Institutional Burials Act 2022, a range of relatives can give DNA from the maternal and paternal side, including parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Odait said a Bill that will allow first cousins to give DNA had been brought to Government and was expected to be published in the coming days.
Odait encouraged anyone who believes they may have a family member buried at the site of the former Tuam Mother and Baby Institution to contact its office. Earlier this year, members of the Odait team travelled to Britain and the US to collect samples from potential relatives. Further trips abroad are expected as more people come forward.
Following the latest excavation, Odait will now examine an area up to and beyond the old boundary wall of the institution’s grounds.
Tuam Mother And Baby Home Odait Bon Secours Catherine Corless DNA Identification Institutional Burials Act
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