When John Rodgers’ mother was two and a half years old she was
charged with begging on the streets of Dublin and sent by a chief
justice to an industrial school. Released at age 16, she was raped and
later gave birth to her son John, for which she was sent to the
notorious mother and baby home in Tuam. Rodgers tells Cahir O'Doherty about their shattering experiences and the shadows they cast over two long separated lives.
When John Rodgers’ mother Bridie was two and a half years old she was
arrested for begging on the streets of Dublin. A judge decided the best
thing to do to reform her character was send her to a remote industrial
school, where it was stipulated she would remain until her 16th
birthday.