IRELAND
Irish Independent
[with videos]
Caroline Crawford
Published 06/06/2014
A survivor of the Tuam Mothers-and-Babies home has said it was a “miracle” he survived – describing it as akin to a “rabbit colony” with hundreds of children living in an environment with overflowing toilets and little care.
JP Rodgers was born in the home in 1947. Just 13 months after his birth, he was separated from his mother who was moved to the Magdalene Laundry in Galway city while he remained in the home until he was fostered at the age of five.
“It wouldn’t be very fond memories I have of it,” he said.
Speaking of the large numbers of children growing up in the harshest of conditions, Mr Rodgers, pictured right at the site of the grave, said it was nothing short of a miracle that he survived.
“I can’t say for sure but in my mind’s eye there were probably about 200 children. The place was just alive with children. I remember being in the playground, standing there alone, maybe not very well as I do remember a period where I was very, very ill. Thankfully I came out of it but I was probably no different from anybody else in the place,” he added.
Speaking about the conditions growing up, Mr Rodgers recollects clearly the shed with sinks to wash at and open-air toilets.
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