I can still see them lying ill in their cots. The nuns didn’t tell us a thing but I knew they’d died

Sheila, 60, haunted by memories

CARER FIGHTING FOR THE TRUTH

home so there was no other way.” Sheila wrote a poem dedicated to the Tuam victims which she presented to Catherine Corless, the historian who uncovered the mass grave site.

And she wrote a second poem dedicated to birth mothers which she read out last weekend.

In 2013 the then Taoiseach Enda Kenny apologised to Magdalene women in an emotional speech, saying the laundries have “cast a long shadow over Irish life”.

It’s believed at least 1,663 babies and children are buried in cemeteries – many in unmarked graves.

Last week a UN committee criticised the Government for failing to implement its recommendations to probe allegations of ill treatment of women in Magdalene Laundries.

It pointed to the failure by successive governments to fully investigate the claims, prosecute perpetrators and ensure victims have an enforceable right to compensation.

Sheila is calling on State agencies, the clergy, the medical profession and gardai to be upfront about the roles they played so the truth can come out.

She added: “There was a girl of 12 when I was there who was expecting twins. She had obviously been abused but they just turned a blind eye.

“I often wondered what happened to her. Earlier this year I found out she died after giving birth.

“I have been fighting for justice with all the other survivors and I will continue to stand with them until we are given the answers we deserve.”

sylvia.pownall@irishmirror.ie