Cast revealed for Neeson’s film on Tuam home

BAFTA award-winning actress Monica Dolan has been cast as Tuam historian Catherine Corless in the upcoming feature film The Lost Children of Tuam.

The film will focus on the journey of Catherine Corless, whose research revealed that a significant number of remains of babies and infants who died at the home are buried in the site of the old Mother and Baby Home.

Directed by Frank Berry and written by Rebeca Lenkiewicz, the film is based on an article published in The New York Times ‘The Lost Children of Tuam’ by Dan Barry in 2017.

Excavation of the site began in July and is expected to take at least two years to complete.

Along with Monica Dolan (Sherwood, Mr Bates vs The Post Office), the cast also includes Andrew Bennett (God’s Creatures) and Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones) in various roles.

The film is to be produced by Irish film studio Element Pictures in partnership with famous actor and producer Liam Neeson who optioned the rights to The New York Times article.

“It is a great honour to me that a dedicated, professional and high-profile film crew are creating this film, which follows my arduous journey from when I first discovered what really happened in Tuam and the struggle I faced to bring this truth to light against so many obstacles,” stated Catherine. “It’s startling too, that I have observed the passion with which Frank Berry and his team are ensuring that the truth of what happened is paramount, and I am grateful, for that has been the essence of my long journey,” she added. Liam Neeson has expressed pride that the film is finally under production after eight years of preparation.

“We are proud to start production on this profound story of one woman’s relentless pursuit and dedication in uncovering the horrific truth of the events in Tuam that shocked our nation to its core,” stated Mr Neeson.

Shooting for the film is expected to take place at different locations in Ireland, including Tuam and studios in Wexford.