Niall Breslin with historian Ruth Illingworth.

RTÉ documentary led by Niall Breslin examines Ireland’s unmarked asylum graves

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Niall Breslin with historian Ruth Illingworth.

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Julianne Clarke, Niall Breslin and Kathy Crinion, author of the book, ‘Her Name was Julia: Grave number 339’.

Published: Mon 9 Mar 2026, 8:00 AM

Last updated: Mon 9 Mar 2026, 9:22 AM

Niall (Bressie) Breslin embarks on an emotional journey in All That Remains, airing this Wednesday, March 11, on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

In his native Mullingar, Niall works alongside the families of the forgotten to honour more than 1,300 Irish people buried in unmarked graves on the grounds of what was once known as St Loman’s Hospital, formerly 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 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.

Julianne Clarke’s great grandmother, 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.

Niall 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 Wednesday March 11, 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player

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Cruel story of Julia told in new book by her great great granddaughter

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