Mayo woman completes her 796 climbs of Knockma Hill in memory of Tuam babies
Mayo woman Anne Fahey Ronayne has completed her challenge of 796 climbs of Knockma Hill outside Tuam, Co. Galway.
The Hollymount native, living in Irishtown, began her climbing challenge on January 1, 2023, aiming to climb the Hill of Meabh 796 times to honour each and everyone of the Tuam Babies who are unaccounted for in Tuam.
Anne spoke the Baby's name and age out loud recording each climb as she went, to honour and to create awareness for each of the little ones.
Anne said: "This was a journey I felt I had to make. Initially this was a journey of honouring and respecting the little souls, it was an apology to them from all of us, and also I became aware that this also was an awareness piece.
"I am so in awe of Catherine Corless for the work she has done, she is a true inspiration, determined to get to the truth that for so long has been covered up by those in power.”
“Catherine will forever be a champion and hero, and has opened up a necessary story that needs to be told. I applaud everyone who has worked tirelessly to get justice when so many tried to prevent this scandal being revealed.
"I want to thank everyone for becoming part of my journey, those that climbed with me over the past two and a half years, those that supported me and those who donated to my charity partner, Mayo Rape Crisis Centre.
"A total of 220 babies were from County Mayo and I wanted them to be remembered as well as all the other little infants and children. My hope is that the exhumation in Tuam and the findings, will bring families affected the peace they so richly deserve "
Anne was joined on Knockma for her final climb by family and friends, which honoured Baby Mary Carty, aged 5 months old.
The day was very moving and balloons with the numbers 796 were flying all along the Knockma loop.
At the top of the hill everyone blew bubbles to celebrate, honour and remember the babies and children. They also remembered the six mothers who remain unaccounted for.
Caroline Barry, board member of Mayo Rape Crisis Centre, spoke at the summit and told the group how vitally important the donations were to Mayo Rape Crisis Centre for the work they do and the services they provide.
Anne was also joined by Valerie Jennings and Marie Moylett, who have worked over many years raising awareness through their Little Light of Love advocacy group.
At the end of the final climb, Catherine Corless and her husband Aiden surprised Anne by being there and applauding her for completing the 796 climb challenge.
Before the start of her final climb to honour Baby Mary Carty, aged five months, Anne Fahey Ronayne thanked everyone for turning up and climbing with her.
She acknowledged the role her family played in supporting her climbs. She also thanked her husband Seamus and her children. Anne remembered her sister Marie McManus who they lost to cancer in March.
Anne thanked former Mayo GAA and Aussie Rules star Cora Staunton who took time to climb with her, as well as Valerie Jennings and Marie Moylett from the Little Light of Love advocacy group, for their support.
Finally, Anne acknowledged and thanked Catherine Corless, and all the Mothers who were in the Mother and Baby home in Tuam, as well as all the other survivors of what she said was a dark and shameful time in our country.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by visiting https://idonate/fundraiser/AnniefaheyRonayne.