For Brendan Watkins, the news that he had been adopted was a shock to his until-then ordinary life.

“I guess one of the ironies is that I had a fantastic upbringing,” Mr Watkins said.

“Nonetheless I still had this overwhelming urge, particularly when I was told I was adopted that, that I wanted to know more.”

Press PLAY to hear part one of Brendan Watkin’s story

What Mr Watkins found, tragically, was a twisting and emotional story involving the Catholic Church and forbidden relationships.

“I feel as though I can remember it with crystal clarity,” Mr Watkins said. 

Press PLAY to hear part 2 of Brendan Watkin’s story

“It was an enormous thing for me… I have an older brother and I asked him recently what his recollections were of that day we were told we were adopted.

He just sort of shrugged his shoulders and said, ‘I thought we’d always known’.”

I kind of knew from that moment onwards that you know, my life had taken a different trajectory.”