Kerry singer reveals her mother died without meeting boy she had put up for adoption

Pauline Scanlon talks about meeting her brother Graham in a film to be screened on TG4

Pauline Scanlon: 'I wanted to honour all the other women and men who have gone through this, because there is still so much going on in people’s houses around the country.' File picture: Ruth Medjber

Kerry singer Pauline Scanlon has revealed her mother died without ever meeting her baby boy who was placed for adoption 50 years ago.

The Dingle native has spoken about meeting her new brother Graham in a new documentary to be screened on TG4 on Wednesday night.

Amhráin do mo Mháthair tells the story of Eileen Scanlon’s hidden past using traditional music performed by her daughter Pauline and interviews with her father Paul and brother Graham.

Eileen Scanlon died in May 2012 after a long illness aged 57. She and her husband Paul, 76, had three children together, Graham, Pauline and Brian.

However, Graham was unknown to the other siblings for several years, having been placed for adoption in Dublin before the couple married.

In the film, Pauline describes how growing up, she always felt her mother was keeping something from her.

“I think that in one way, that there was a darkness in my mother, I understood that, but it became even clearer to me when I was around 10 or 11,” she said.

When the family later moved home, “everything changed”.

“I think a couple of things happened and the memories came flooding back, memories that she had buried deep inside and kept hidden,” she said.

As time went by, Eileen’s health began to deteriorate and a doctor encouraged her to write her feelings down in a diary — which she did.

Pauline told the Irish Examiner her mother had a lot on her plate at the time but had been very happily married for many years.

In the film, Paul Scanlon recalls the difficulties he faced with Eileen at a time when children born out of wedlock was frowned upon by many in society.

“It was brave of my dad to speak about it,” said Pauline. “My dad was an amazing husband and is a fantastic father, and it was difficult for him at times, but Dad is just delighted to have met Graham.” 

Two years ago, the family were reunited with Graham, who is married and a dad himself.

“We are delighted that he is safe and sound and has a gorgeous, beautiful family and it is very positive,” said Pauline.

The screening of the film took place in Dingle on Monday night. The idea for the documentary came about when Pauline wrote an album about her mother’s story.

“I was then approached to make a film about it,” she said. “Director Nuala O’Connor was amazing and had great integrity and was respectful.

“I wanted to honour all the other women and men who have gone through this, because there is still so much going on in people’s houses around the country."

• Amhráin do mo Mháthair will be broadcast on TG4 on Wednesday at 9.30pm