Kathy's Story

Kathy O'Beirne was sexually abused at eight, labelled "troublesome" by a psychiatrist, and sent to reform school. After being raped by a visiting priest, she was transferred to a psychiatric hospital and subjected to electric shock therapy. At 12, she ended up in a Magdalen laundry, the notorious workhouses where thousands of other "troublesome" girls were incarcerated, abused, and forced to slave in horrendous conditions. In unflinching detail, yet illuminated by strength and hope, "Kathy's Story" recounts her harrowing experiences, remarkable survival, and campaign to help other victims of institutional abuse.