Alison O'Reilly: It took a global spotlight for many to accept hundreds of babies are buried in a septic tank in Tuam

The long-awaited exhumation of the Tuam babies marks a historic moment, but the fight for accountability is far from over

Excavation works under way at the site of the former Tuam mother and baby home where it is believed the remains of hundreds of children are buried. Picture: Chani Anderson

As I sat in gridlock traffic in my hometown of Drogheda recently, I saw hundreds of well-dressed families of all ages, carrying beautiful bouquets and plant pots, as they all walked in the same direction.

I eventually made it past three Garda checkpoints directing traffic away from the congested areas until I realised where everyone was going — it was the annual blessings of the graves.