Historical, landscaping, burial
I submitted this view also in the previous Cork Ciry Development Plan.
Between 1922 and 1998 aproximately 20,000 women and children were incarcerated in the Bessboro mother and baby institution. In the recent mother and baby home commission of investigation (MBHCOI) it was revealed that 923 Bessboro children died. Some buried in various graveyards in Cork but it is believed and I have spoken to eye witnesses that have seen burials take place within the grounds of Bessboro. A particular area being the garden/path down to the folly and the area behind the folly. I belong to a group of 948 people who were formerly in the institution and their advocates called the ‘Bessborough Mother & Baby home’ on Facebook, (a support group). Before Covid restrictions we held an annual commemoration at the Folly on the grounds. Approximately 2000 people have attended this event over the 6 years that we have organised, traveling from the USA, UK and from all over Ireland to attend.
It is our belief that the former Bessboro grounds that envelope around the Folly should be preserved and made into a recreational space for all in memory of all those women and children who were incarcerated and who died…. and at the right time a fitting memorial and a garden space created.
Also in 2019 the MBHCOI revealed that my brother born in Bessboro, died in St Finbarrs Hospital and is buried in Carr’s Hill Cemetary. The Report also states that it is ‘feasible’ that the other 120 Bessboro children that died in The County Home/St Finbarrs hospital could also be buried here. I would like to see improvements made to parking and access here. My mother has visited the graveyard many times, her mobility being impaired has had to negotiate the overgrown lane, closed gates, electric fencing to pay her respects in an area she has been advised her child is buried. It would be nice to see, with input from mothers and their families, a memorial here with a description that tells the narrative of the children and how they ended up in a mass famine grave.
Please see map that I am referring to. An area to keep safe from any development and to preserve as a park/recreational space for all in memory of the women and children.
Regards
Carmel Cantwell
