'We were the lucky ones': Tribute to Bessborough nun who saved life of Corkman and his twin

Paul Lynch's search began for his biological family around 16 years ago when he discovered his parents were married and had five other children

Paul Lynch holding a photograph of himself as a child. On the left are photographs of him with his twin brother Gerard. Picture: Denis Minihane

A twin who was adopted from the Cork-run Bessborough mother and baby home has said he owes his life to a nun who “cared for us when nobody else did”.

Paul Lynch, 55, and his brother Gerard were born in Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, on October 18, 1968, where they remained for 13 months. During that time, the twins were kept together by a nun from the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary order.