Sean O'Connell
@seanoconnellQUB
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Professor of Modern Irish& British Social History, QUB. Co-Chair Truth Recovery Independent Panel
Joined April 2012
This appallingly sad Belfast Telegraph article is evidence that the gender discrimination and violence that forced many women into Mother and Baby institutions crossed religious divides. What courage ‘Anne’ has shown in reminding us that they are part of Protestant history also.
Your bravery to tell your truth can make a difference in ensuring acknowledgement & accountability for what happened in these institutions. If you are ready to share your experience with us, visit our website for info on contacting us by email & phone. https://t.co/LrhMQBjrm7
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Your bravery to tell your truth can make a difference in ensuring acknowledgement & accountability for what happened in these institutions. If you are ready to share your experience with us, visit our website for info on contacting us by email & phone. https://t.co/LrhMQBjrm7
independentpanel.truthrecoveryni.co.uk
Sharing Your Lived Experience with the Independent PanelThe closing date to register to provide your testimony was Thursday 1 May 2025. The Independent Panel is no longer able to accept new registr...
'I was raped by my stepfather before my eighth birthday... then treated like a servant at Belfast mother and baby home' https://t.co/buykVj5cwV
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This excellent advice is depressingly necessary. Essential guidance for 2024 and beyond - How to survive the broligarchy: 20 lessons for the post-truth world | Donald Trump | The Guardian
theguardian.com
In the wake of Trump’s unnerving appointees, the investigative journalist and veteran of the libel court offers pointers on coping in an age of surveillance
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I’m going to be removing myself from X. This is now a platform that is serving only the interests of the alt-right and narcissistic billionaires. If you are on Blue Sky Social, you can find me there on @seanoconnellqub.bsky.social
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A feature of mother & baby institutions in Northern Ireland is that fewer who went through the Protestant institutions come forward with testimony even though they were the majority of cases. The Panel GUARANTEES privacy if they do speak to us. Their testimonies are vital!
Our Co-Chairs have a feature piece in @TheWarCryUK, the @salvationarmyuk publication (pages 4-5). We would like to hear from anyone who: 🟡spent time in Thorndale. 🟡had family members who spent time in Thorndale. 🟡worked or volunteered in Thorndale. https://t.co/mehxnMeQ42
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Could folks in North America consider retweeting this please. @BCIrishStudies
Many people affected by the institutions & / or their related pathways & practices, left NI. Our Co-Chair, Leanne has an article in the Irish Echo – the oldest Irish American Newspaper – appealing for those living in the USA to contact the Panel.
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Many people affected by the institutions & / or their related pathways & practices, left NI. Our Co-Chair, Leanne has an article in the Irish Echo – the oldest Irish American Newspaper – appealing for those living in the USA to contact the Panel.
irishecho.com
The Northern Ireland Executive Office has set-up a Truth Recovery Independent Panel, comprising 10 individuals with relevant skills and experience ...
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Just want to echo this thank you. It was a humbling privilege to speak to the many people who so courageously came forward to speak to us at the four events. We will soon arrange online events to offer further opportunities to engage with us.
Thank you to everyone who attended our drop-in events across NI throughout October. Your participation, insights, and feedback are invaluable to our work. We're deeply grateful for your continued support & trust in our shared journey towards the truth. #SeekingtheTruth
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Thank you to everyone who attended our drop-in events across NI throughout October. Your participation, insights, and feedback are invaluable to our work. We're deeply grateful for your continued support & trust in our shared journey towards the truth. #SeekingtheTruth
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Visited Stormont on Monday for an important Independent Panel meeting with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. Got a number of important measures of support from them, including a much needed 6-month extension of the Panel’s lifespan.
Our Co-Chairs met with the First Minister & deputy First Minister this week. The discussion focused on the progress of our independent investigation since our Interim Report was published in May 2024, and the plans for our remaining time.
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We welcome the news that @PresidentIRL has signed new legislation to preserve privately held institutional records in RoI. A vital step toward truth and transparency. The records are crucial for people's identities and lived experiences. #SeekingTheTruth #AccessToRecords
Having considered the Maternity Protection, Employment Equality and Preservation of Certain Records Bill 2024, the President has signed the Bill and it has accordingly become law.
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Not all NI institutions were run by Catholic orders. Some were run by Protestant Churches or organisations funded by the state, eg: Hopedene Hostel, Thorndale House, Kennedy House, Belfast Midnight Mission, Malone Place and more. Call for testimonies from all to @TruthPanel_NI
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And thanks to Boston College for providing the space in which to hold the Panel’s discussions in Dublin. @BCIrishStudies
1/2 We had an insightful meeting in Dublin last week. We met the @NARIreland team to discuss best practice. Grateful for the warm welcome & engaging reception @RIAdawson launching their Report on access to records & the critical role they play in upholding human rights.
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Looking forward to travelling up to Derry-Londonderry for the Panel’s latest engagement event on Wednesday.
#2 days to go until our final drop-in event in Derry-Londonderry! We would be delighted to speak with you if you want to know more about the testimony process or how to approach getting access to your records. #SeekingTheTruth
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2/2 You can read @RIAdawson Report here: Report: Archives, Access and Human Rights - Royal Irish Academy
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Tremendous turnout to the March for All today in Belfast, sending a clear message to the far right: Belfast stands against racism ✊🏼✊🏾✊🏿
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Please consider sharing this article widely please. The Panel wants to hear from as many people as possible who have knowledge of these institutions and their related pathways and practices.
✍️Our Co-Chair, Sean O’Connell explains why every piece of information about the institutions and their practices, no matter how small, is important for the Independent Panel’s work. If you have information you would like to share, please get in touch. https://t.co/gk7oDHqFGU
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We will be hosting both an afternoon and an evening drop-in session at the City Hotel for anyone who is interested in speaking with one of our Panel members about the testimony process or how to approach getting access to your personal records. #SeekingTheTruth
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It was a great privilege to meet all the folks who came to talk to the Panel in Newry. As always on these occasions, I left better informed and knowledgeable than when I arrived. Looking forward to more important conversations at the Europa Hotel in Belfast next Tuesday, 22 Oct.
Thanks to everyone who dropped in with us at the Canal Court Hotel, Newry last night. It was a pleasure speaking with each one of you. Special thanks to the @WAVE staff, who provided a safe space for all those who attended. We look forward to our Belfast event on 22nd October!
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Access to Records Guidance published to help those in Northern Ireland struggling to navigate through the convoluted process of accessing adoption, care and personal institutional records. #accesstorecords #redress #truthandjustice
📢 We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Access to Records Guidance on our website. Looking for information to help you find & request access to your personal records? Read our guidance using this link: https://t.co/hn0Nr2W6M6
#SeekingTheTruth #AccessToRecords
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