Journalist Mary Raftery Dies

Irish Examiner
January 10, 2012

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/journalist-mary-raftery-dies-535275.html


'States of Fear’ documentary-maker and journalist Mary Raftery has died.

The 54-year-old was well known for her work on the 'States of Fear' documentary series that revealed the extent of physical and sexual abuse suffered by children in the Irish childcare system.

She also produced and directed the 'Prime Time Investigates: Cardinal Secrets' programme which led to the establishment of the Murphy Commission of Investigation into child sex abuse in the Dublin Archdiocese.

She passed away in Dublin this morning following an illness. She is survived by her husband David and her son Ben.

Colm O'Gorman of Amnesty International Ireland said Ms Raftery's work transformed Ireland.

"States of Fear opened up so many issues," he said.

"All of her work on this issues transformed our country and our society and demanded that we look at ourselves in a different way. Without the work that Mary did as a journalist (on the abuse of children), I don't think much of this would have surfaced."