Forgotten mothers

While concurring with the sentiments expressed by Gerard Corrigan (MoS letters, March 26) which extolled the significant part played by mothers in the development of our country down the decades, it should also be acknowledged that countless women were not given a fair opportunity to contribute to the welfare of the nation. I refer to women who gave birth to children outside marriage, with many being treated like secondclass citizens by the Catholic Church and society in general.

In those past times, the Church held such influence that ‘fallen’ females were forced to ‘give up’ their babies and their parents were forced into believing that their daughters had shamed the family.

Those dark days continue to cast a shadow over our history and while we have moved on to become a more broad-minded and tolerant community, many feel that there have not been sufficient apologies and recompense for the cruel deeds of the past.

Liz Lawless, Navan, Co. Meath.