She’ll celebrate a milestone first birthday this weekend, but twelve months on, Gardaí have no significant information on the identity of the abandoned baby who nurses at the Coombe named Maria.
The newborn baby girl was found on the roadside by a couple driving on Steelstown Lane in Rathcoole in the late afternoon of May 8, 2015.
Although she was left dangerously close to a busy road, it seems that some attempt was made to keep the baby warm. She was covered in a Penney’s fleece, placed inside a Marks & Spencer bag and reasonably well-nourished when she was discovered but was found to be suffering from hypothermia after being exposed to the elements for up to 36 hours.
After spending the first few weeks of her life with hospital staff, Maria is now said to be thriving with her loving foster family and their children.
Despite numerous appeals, including the display of a number of items found near the child, including a blanket, a black bag and a towel, nobody has come forward with information that might help solve the mystery.
Commenting at the time of the nationwide appeal last year, Supt Brendan Connolly said:
“They are common, everyday items found in every home, we are just hoping that somebody seeing the items – particularly the throw – may recognise them and may be in a position to assist us to find mum and to reunite her, if she so wishes, with her baby.
“Our main focus and concern is for the safety of this mum,”
Because only a biological parent can sign adoption papers, baby Maria will likely remain in foster care until she is 18 if her parents are not located.
If you have information regarding the infant’s identity, contact Sgt Maeve O’Sullivan on 01 666 7600, or the Tusla Child and Family Agency on 01 620 6387.
