Fréa Renewing Roots Review of the Year: 2025 Events

Ireland’s institutions silenced people - sometimes behind high walls, sometimes in the most remote locations. This silencing was carried out through church and state, creating a culture of shame and stigma that left survivors reluctant to speak about their experiences. In this vacuum, cruelty was able to flourish.

Since The States of Fear documentary was broadcast on RTÉ in 1998, a substantial body of work has been built by authors, documentary makers and journalists exposing the realities of institutional life. As part of our work, we bring together the public with survivors, documentary makers and experts to deepen understanding of the long-term impact of these institutions.

Throughout 2025, we have showcased these experiences. Here, we look back on the year’s events.

We hosted a screening of Margo Harkin’s film Stolen at Stretford Public Hall. We were delighted to be joined by Marie Arbuckle, whose powerful testimony forms a central narrative of the documentary. Marie took part in a post-screening Q&A, giving the 70 people in attendance a unique and deeply personal insight.

The Oral History Project was launched at the University of Liverpool Institute for Irish Studies in October. The event was attended by Ireland’s Ambassador to Great Britain, Martin Fraser, and the Consul General to the north of England, Cillian O’Kelly. Many of those who contributed to the Oral History Project spoke movingly about their involvement and their life experiences.

We also screened Tanya Stephan’s moving documentary The Missing Children, which focuses on the families of the 796 children believed to be buried on the grounds of the Bon Secours institution in Tuam. Tanya attended the screening alongside Annette McKay, a member of the Advisory Board for exhumations at Tuam. Both took part in a Q&A that explored the themes and issues raised by the film.

“We Have Arrived” was an installation of ceramic works created by members of the Crann Silí group during their monthly sessions. The installation also included a banner featuring poetry produced through the group’s creative writing sessions. The work was displayed at Ryde Café from 6 to 31 October before moving to the Bluecoat Arts Centre, where it formed part of an event centred on the words and experiences of survivors. This installation and event were part of the 2025 Liverpool Irish Festival - the third year we have participated in this important cultural event in the city.

In conjunction with the London Irish Centre, Coventry Irish Society and Barnardos Ireland, we ran a webinar providing information on applying to the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme and accessing family tracing services. The session was designed to be accessible to former residents of Ireland’s Mother and Baby institutions, their family members, and staff who may be supporting people through the application process. The webinar was recorded for those unable to attend live and is available to watch here.

We were also delighted to welcome Sole Purpose Productions, particularly Aoibhinn O’Doherty and Erin, who performed readings from Caitríona Cunningham’s powerful play Marian Hotel. They were joined by our own Geraldine Maloney Judge. The readings offered a fascinating insight into the play, which will come to Liverpool’s Unity Theatre on 6 and 7 February. Ticket details are available via the Unity Theatre.