Memorial Fund Launched

For memorial to 219 dead and forgotten Bethany Home Children, buried
in shame and in secret

The Bethany Survivors Group is appealing for donations to a Memorial Fund for 219 forgotten Bethany Home children buried- in unmarked graves in Mount Jerome Cemetery, Harold’s Cross, Dublin.

Donations can be made to a Bank of Ireland
account: Sort code 906734, Account Number 63175318

The Bethany Home was for unmarried mothers, prostitutes and women on remand and convicted of crimes ranging from petty theft to infanticide. It operated a children’s home and organised nursing, fostering and adoption of the children of its unmarried residents.

A total of 219 dead children from the Bethany Home, who died between 1922-49 have been discovered. They were buried in secret in various parts of Mount Jerome Cemetery. Nearly two thirds died between 1935-44. Up to 30 unidentified children may be buried elsewhere.

To remember these children is to defy and to repudiate the secrecy and the shame that surrounded their all-to-brief existence. It is to give them the minimum that all expect—a recognition in death that was denied in life. lt is also to repudiate the preiudice that occupied institutional minds and governed their actions.

We would be grateful for any support that you may wish to give this cause. This memorial will help people come to terms with their past, and would help with the healing process.

Donations can be made in any bank to
Bethany Survivors
The Bank of Ireland
Sort code 906734
Account Number 63175318

For more information or to pledge your support contact Derek Linster (Chairperson Bethany Survivors Group) 07857 682601
or www.derekleinster.com