This episode includes survivor testimony and references to abuse. Nothing is described in graphic detail.
Why were tens of thousands of Irish women detained in Magdalene Laundries, often sent there by the people they trusted most? Most never received a sentence. Many never left.
In the opening episode of a three part series, The Shepherds' Secrets, I explore how this system took hold in Ireland through the history of the Good Shepherd Laundry in Waterford. From its origins as a lay-run rescue asylum for women who worked in prostitution, I trace its transformation under religious control into an institution of high walls, barred windows and forced labour. At the heart of this history are the women themselves.
Through the stories of ‘Alice C.’, Maureen Sullivan and ‘Nancy S.’, I ask why Irish society treated women, particularly working-class women, so appallingly and how families, religious orders and the state sustained this system for generations.
Credits and Links
Thanks to Maureen Sullivan and Dr Elizabeth Riordan-Coppin for their time and permission to use their interviews.
Written, produced and narrated by Fin Dwyer.
Audio Editor: Kate Dunlea
The interviews with Maureen Sullivan and Dr Elizabeth Riordan-Coppin used in this series were recorded by Dr Jennifer O'Mahoney as part of the Waterford Memories Project.
Thanks to the many people who were interviewed for this series: Professor Katherine O'Donnell, Dr Claire McGettrick born Lorraine Hughes, John Spencer, Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley, Dr Claire McGettrick & Professor Leanne McCormick and Professor James M. Smith.
A particular thanks to Dr Jennifer O'Mahoney.
Additional Research: Liam Costello
Additional Interviews: Stephanie Lord
Voice Actor: Therese Murray
Sound: Sam Blanche and Dakota Venn Keane. With thanks to Dawn Kenny.
Artwork: Jenni Cooney - The Creative Pocket.
Thanks to Joanne Rothwell of Waterford City & County Archives.
Made possible by listeners who support the Irish History Podcast at www.patreon.com/irishhistory
Resources and sources
To find out more about Magdalene Laundries check out https://jfmresearch.com & https://www.waterfordmemories.com/survivors.
If you are a survivor of Magdalene Laundries this is an excellent research guide https://jfmresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/Research-Guide-for-Magdalene-Survivors_April-2025.pdf
If you are a relative of a survivor, living or deceased this guide is extremely useful. Research Guide for relatives of Survivors https://jfmresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/Research-Guide_Relatives_April-2025.pdf
Sources mentioned in the episode
Maureen Sullivan’s autobiography Girl in the Tunnel: My Story of Love and Loss as a Survivor of the Magdalene Laundries https://www.irishacademicpress.ie/product/girl-in-the-tunnel/
Full interview with Maureen: https://www.waterfordmemories.com/survivors
Full interview with ‘Nancy’ by Dr Sinead Pembroke available here https://jfmresearch.com/home/oralhistoryproject/transcripts/survivors/nancy-shannon/Terminology
Words can make all the difference
The way we discuss this part of our history has changed dramatically in recent decades. We all make mistakes but this document has interesting explainers as to why terms still in use can cause hurt. https://www.universityofgalway.ie/media/unescochildandfamilyresearchcentre/2023/Language-&-Terminology-Report--Web.pdf
Policy on Naming Survivors
Unless given express permission no survivor of a Magdalene Laundry, living or deceased, was identified in this series. While this history remained secret for decades and there is still major obstacles to accessing archival sources, protecting individuals privacy is still paramount.
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