Cork singer Camille O’Sulllivan to perform at Bessborough memorial event

Cork singer Camille O’Sullivan will perform at this year’s annual Bessborough commemoration this month at the former mother and baby institution.

In 2021, the Mother and Baby Homes Commission reported 923 child deaths relating to Bessborough.

With burial records existing for only 64 of those children, the commission concluded it was “highly likely” that some were buried on the grounds of the institution.

In February, Cork City Council granted permission for the building of 140 apartments on the site, a decision which is currently being appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála, with a decision due on July 9.

Ms O’Sullivan said she hoped the event would be of benefit to survivors.

“I think it would be really helpful if they felt people were reaching out and saying ‘we hear your story’,” she said.

Organisers of the event have asked that those attending bring with them a flower in remembrance of all of those who died there.

The commemoration will take place at the Bessborough folly on Sunday, June 28, at 2pm.