Seventeen Lost Children of St. Joseph's | Ireland News

New research reveals at least seventeen children died at St. Joseph’s Industrial School in Ballinasloe, but only two burial records exist—leaving the rest’s fates a haunting mystery. Investigator Abbie McGowan uncovered these deaths while digging through school registers that simply noted “passed away while committed,” sparking questions about where—or if—they were buried. Children came from across Ireland, dying from illness or accidents, including a tragic 1893 fall. Once a reformatory, the school housed up to sixty girls and held surprising stories: some former residents recall being cared for, challenging the myth of it as a cold orphanage. The project also traces links to adoptions abroad, especially in the U.S., where cryptic letters and photos offer little clarity. With gaps in official records between 1926 and 1968, McGowan is calling on the public to share memories—hoping each story will help uncover the lives behind these lost records. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f6e8dca698a7300f