Sean Ross Abbey group welcomes funding for geophysical survey of Roscrea site

The We are Still Here Sean Ross Abbey Group Ireland has welcomed funding approval for a geophysical survey at a site on the grounds of Sean Ross Abbey.

The approval was given to an in-depth application for a geophysical survey on a parcel of land adjacent to the Angels’ Plot.
Speaking, group PRO Teresa Collins said: “There are many questions left unanswered about the number of burials that took place on the grounds of Sean Ross Abbey.”

She said that according to the Commission of Investigation, the total number of infant deaths having occurred there were 1078. However, it was not feasible to conclude that all burials occurred in the relatively confined space of the Angels’ Plot where the Commission of Investigation carried out some investigative works.

“There is a wealth of knowledge that indicates how the relatively small area within the Angels’ Plot did not serve the burial needs over the decades and that land adjacent to the plot was used to facilitate further burials.

“If we can gain more knowledge though an examination of the area in question, then we hope that in turn, this would enable us to shed some more light on the many questions that have remained unanswered for very many people over the decades,” said Ms Collins.

She said that for more than a year the group had been engaging with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth and its Historical Burials Legislation Unit in compiling our application for funding.

This also involved research into the burials at the grounds, which involved analysing the Commission of Investigation’s report into Sean Ross Abbey, gathering local knowledge, consulting with mapping companies and companies whose speciality involves ground penetrating radar, said Ms Collins.

“In our application, we sought funding to engage the services of a specialist company to undertake non-invasive ground radar scans in this particular parcel of land.

“We are delighted to confirm that our application has been successful, and that once preparations are made we will be in a position to proceed with these plans,” she said

Ms Collins said that there were many people and organisations whose assistance those at the We are Still Here Sean Ross Abbey Group Ireland would like to acknowledge and express our thanks to.

“Tipperary County Council has played a hugely important role in assisting us in our work. We would like to recognise councillors and officials for their assistance, support and advice every step of the way.

“We would also like to thank Tony Donlan, owner of Sean Ross Abbey for facilitating us in our endeavours and for giving permission for the scans to take place.

“I’d also like to thank Deputy Martin Browne for making representations to Minister Roderic O’Gorman on our behalf, and to Minister O’Gorman and all those in his department who helped and directed us in our efforts.

“Finally, I want to thank the survivors of Sean Ross Abbey, their families and representatives for their support, and for assisting us whenever we needed any information or assistance.

"We hope that through our work, we may be able to shed more light on the history of Sean Ross Abbey Mother and Baby Home, for all those who went through it or were affected in any way by the practices that went on there,” said Ms Collins.