Philomena: Thousands of mums yet to receive justice

The real-life inspiration behind the film Philomena told a star-studded audience in Hollywood that mothers in Ireland forced to give up their children for adoption have “yet to receive the justice they deserve”.

The film, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, recounts the true story of Philomena Lee’s search for the son she was forced to put up for adoption through the Seán Ross Abbey mother and baby home in 1952, when she was aged 19.

Speaking at the Golden Globes Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, Ms Lee said her story was “a shared story” with thousands of natural mothers in Ireland.