I suspect that anyone born after 1985, likely cannot comprehend #motherandbabyhomes & how they existed and could it happen. For context, the country, in general, was a very Catholic country.

One of my earliest memories was being brought to the popes mass in Phoenix Park

Two years later, I had vague recollections on Kerry Babies as we had family in Listowel at the time.

I remember the moving statues in Cork

Ann Lovett who died in childbirth in Granard is where my family were from & people were more worried about the reputation of the town

Abortion was written in under 8th ammendment and had 66% support

Divorce repeal failed

Being gay hadn't been decriminalised

Being 'illegitimate' was only abolished in 1987

Fr Michael Cleary had his own show on 98FM in 1989!

There were campaigners and courageous politicians but they were the exception to the rule.

What happened was terrible & I'm glad I was only alive for the tail end.

Speaking to my father, stories from the 50s were grim & fear of church palpable & its a dark & shameful past

I hope those effected by their time or those of their parents or relatives time in these places find a little bit of solice tonight.