Susan O'Shea: At age 82 my mother found 7 half-siblings ... don't seal the records

Society can’t right the wrongs done to those who spent time in religious and state institutions, but we can treat them with respect from now on, writes Susan O’Shea

Childrens teddy's and toys along with flowers sit at the 'Little Angels' memorial plot in the grounds of Bessborough House in Blackrock, Cork. Picture: Laura Hutton/RollingNews.ie

In our house, Bessborough is a dirty word. 

It stands for lies and deception and attempts to bury the truth, keep it hidden as if it were some sort of ‘shameful’ little secret.