Catherine Corless, who uncovered the names of 796 children buried in unmarked graves at Tuam, was escorted by Liam Neeson to the Dublin premiere of The Lost Children of Tuam on September 18, 2026, as the film brought renewed attention to the institution’s dark history.
Catherine Corless, the Galway historian whose decades-long investigation revealed the grim fate of 796 children buried in unmarked graves at the Tuam mother and baby home, described the September 18, 2026, premiere of The Lost Children of Tuam as “surreal” and “overwhelming.” The film, directed by Frank Berry and starring Monica Dolan as Corless, premiered at Dublin’s Lighthouse Cinema with Liam Neeson, a co-producer, by her side. I have never been at anything like this,
Corless said, reflecting on the event that brought her life’s work to the screen. The film, which premiered weeks ahead of its scheduled September 25 release, has reignited calls to locate the estimated 9,000 infants still missing from Ireland’s mother and baby homes.
The Premiere and Its Significance
The premiere unfolded against a backdrop of emotional resonance, with Corless’s family, friends, and the film’s cast and crew in attendance. Liam Neeson, who co-produced the project, described his reaction to the story as angrier and angrier
over time, emphasizing his personal connection as an Irishman and former altar boy. I was horrified,
he said, reflecting on the institutional failures that led to the children’s deaths. The film’s director, Frank Berry, highlighted the team’s very, very conscious of the responsibility
to portray the story with sensitivity, noting that the crew worked closely with real-life survivors to ensure authenticity.
Corless, who first began her research in 2008, recounted how her persistence uncovered the truth about the Tuam site, which was initially dismissed as “famine bones” by some. If someone she was interviewing said something a little strange, she didn’t dismiss it,
said Monica Dolan, who played Corless in the film. Dolan praised her co-star’s confidence when other people were suggesting they were famine bones to listen to people in the right way.
The film’s release has also drawn attention to the broader legacy of Ireland’s mother and baby homes, with Corless stating, The fight goes on, we have to get all of those missing children.
Reactions and Reflections
Among the attendees was Anna Corrigan, whose two brothers died at Tuam. She called the film deeply moving and important,
emphasizing that there are still 9,000 babies from homes missing and they need to be found.
Corless’s daughter, Alicia Dilleen, described the event as “surreal,” adding, We are just very proud of her.
The film’s portrayal of Corless’s journey has also sparked discussions about the role of media in uncovering historical injustices. A film is much more than a documentary because it lives on in people’s minds and hearts,
Corless remarked, reflecting on the project’s potential to shape public memory.
Andrew Bennett, who played Corless’s husband, Aidan, in the film, highlighted the couple’s extraordinary work
in challenging institutional silence. It was such a privilege to play this role,
he said, noting that the story shines a light on what went on in the home.
The film’s release comes amid ongoing excavations at Tuam, with Corless expressing hope that further exhumations could identify more children. I would not be surprised if another hundred babies were found in the next update,
she said, underscoring the urgency of the search.
As The Lost Children of Tuam prepares for its nationwide release, the film’s impact extends beyond cinema screens. Corless has called for continued public attention to the plight of the missing children, stating, The story is not over.
The film’s producers, including Neeson and Element Pictures, have pledged to use their platform to amplify the voices of survivors and families. Meanwhile, the Tuam excavation team remains on-site, with updates expected in the coming months. For Corless, the premiere marked not an end but a continuation of her mission: The fight goes on.
The film’s screening also drew attention to the broader network of mother and baby homes across Ireland, where thousands of children were placed in institutional care. Corless’s work has inspired similar investigations into other sites, though she remains focused on Tuam. Thank God Catherine Corless persevered and asked genuine questions,
Dolan said, echoing the sentiment of many who have followed her journey. As the film’s release coincides with a renewed push for accountability, the story of the Tuam babies continues to demand recognition—and resolution.