Bloodline is a powerful and emotionally charged radio documentary that follows Anthony Morrissey’s deeply personal journey to uncover the truth about his origins. Born in 1974 in one of Ireland’s notorious mother and baby homes, Anthony was adopted shortly after birth.
Set against the windswept landscape of West Clare, Bloodline explores Anthony’s decades-long quest to find his birth mother. His search is far from straightforward, navigating sealed adoption records, confronting emotional roadblocks, and facing haunting unknowns. When Anthony finally tracked her down, the reunion he imagined never came. She rejected him a second time, leaving him devastated.
But the story doesn’t end there. Along the way, Anthony uncovered something even more profound: the existence of siblings he never knew about, including a full-blood sister with whom he shared an immediate and unshakeable bond.
This documentary captures the highs and lows of a search for identity, from longing and rejection to joy and discovery. It is a raw and moving portrait of a man piecing together his past and building new connections where none seemed possible. Bloodline is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unpredictable paths that searches for belonging can take.
If you or someone you know is affected by adoption-related issues or emotional distress, support is available:
Tusla Adoption Information and Tracing Service: tusla.ie
Samaritans (24/7 support): Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
Aware (Mental health support): 1800 80 48 48 / aware.ie
You’re not alone, help is always available.
You can listen to the full documentary below:
