Westmeath's Breslin to examine Ireland's unmarked asylum graves

Westmeath native Niall Breslin will publicly examine the controversial burial practices for patients on the grounds of what was once known in Ireland as lunatic or mental asylums.

In an upcoming RTÉ documentary called 'All That Remains', Breslin (commonly known as Bressie) will return to his native Mullingar to work alongside the families of the forgotten to honour more than 1,300 Irish people buried in unmarked graves on the grounds of the former St Loman's Hospital, which was also previously St Loman's Lunatic Asylum.

Together, they seek to restore the graveyard as a sacred place of remembrance while questioning how many similar burial sites exist across Ireland. In the documentary, Niall uncovers the stories of adults and children who were committed to the institution, died there and were buried beneath numbered metal crosses without names. Today, those crosses have been removed, leaving little trace of the lives once lived.

The programme also highlights an online campaign initiated by family member Julienne Clarke, through which some families have reinstated the names of their ancestors at the graveyard. Campaigners are now calling for the construction of a memorial wall to honour all who rest there.

Julienne Clarke’s great aunt, Julia Leonard was sent to St Loman’s in the late 1800s. Julia was one of many committed to places like St Loman’s under vague legislation like the ‘Dangerous Lunatics Act.’ Julia threw tea at her husband Christopher, who was cheating on her. He committed her to St Loman’s and sent their five children into a workhouse. She is quoted as saying: “I’m not mad, neither are half the people in here!”

The documentary explores Julia’s story, as well as several others. Tens of thousands of people were resident in Ireland’s mental hospitals, often for decades. These institutions were deeply embedded in communities across the country. Breslin examines the controversial burial practices for patients and wonders how many more institutional graveyards remain hidden. And what can be done to respect, protect and properly commemorate them.

All That Remains also looks at how Ireland can confront this legacy to ensure dignity and recognition for those who were silenced in life and in death.

All that Remains with Niall Breslin airs on Wednesday, March 11 at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.