Council has records for 50 Magdalen burials in the city

By Dara Bradley

Galway City Council has confirmed that 50 women who were living in the city’s Magdalen Laundry are buried in Bohermore Cemetery. The local authority has also clarified that it is in possession of all records in respect of each of the women, including their names, date of burial and plot numbers.

Meanwhile, the Sisters of Mercy have proposed that a headstone with the women’s names on them would be erected at the burial plots of the Magdalen women in the cemetery.

Jim Smith, a professor of English in Boston College, and board member of the Justice for Magdalens campaign, claimed last week that there was uncertainty as to how many women were buried in two plots at the graveyard. He also claimed that the identity of those buried in Bohermore.

But following a series of questions put forward by City Councillor Billy Cameron (Labour), Director of Services Ciarán Hayes has clarified the position.

In a statement in reply to Cllr Cameron, Mr Hayes said there are 50 women in the cemetery, the earliest of which dates back to 1924. He also confirmed that the Council has records in respect of the women buried in Bohermore.

He said he had engaged with the Sisters of Mercy over the past few weeks in relation to this matter and he acknowledged their “open and constructive engagement” during efforts to cross-check records.

He added: “The Sisters of Mercy have proposed the erection of headstones at Bohermore with the names of the women and date they died. This will coincide with an appropriate service to be organised by the Sisters of Mercy.”

Last week Cllr Cameron called for sensitivity the families of those who are buried in Bohermore and Mr Hayes has echoed these sentiments.

“A consistent theme arising throughout the consultation was the sensitivity of the issue. At one level, apologies and compensation was demanded while at the other, families of some of the women requested anonymity. I would be grateful if, in the course of any future debate on this issue, the wishes of the families are respected,” Mr Hayes added.

Cllr Cameron welcomed the clarity from City Hall. He agreed it was important that headstones be provided for women who are buried in Bohermore but also stressed that if families want anonymity, then their wishes should be respected.

It was too sensitive an issue, he added.

Mr Hayes clarification comes the day after a vigil was held at the former Magdalen Laundry on Forster Street on Sunday afternoon.