David McBride, Helen Ward, and John Dowling were abandoned as babies in Ireland and later learned through DNA testing that they're siblings.RTÉ
"The Phone Box Babies," a documentary revealing new insights into the lives and identities of three newborn babies abandoned in different parts of Ireland in the 1960s, debuts on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Wednesday, July 2.
David McBride, born in 1962, was left in a car in a Belfast driveway.
John Dowling, born in 1965, was found in a Drogheda phone box.
Helen Ward, born in 1968, was discovered in a Dundalk phone box.
The babies were discovered by random passersby without any identifying information or clue to their origins.
Now, the new documentary titled "The Phone Box Babies" uncovers details about the babies’ parents, where they came from, and why they were given up.
As adults, the siblings discover their connection to each other and embark on an emotional journey to uncover their identities.
"I don't know would she have survived the night"
The Phone Box Babies reveals new insights into the lives and identities of three newborn babies abandoned in the 1960s in different parts of Ireland. The babies were discovered by random passersby in phone boxes, and in a car,… pic.twitter.com/H7yobZwF1h
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) June 30, 2025
In 2020, David and Helen discovered they were brother and sister through DNA technology and were reunited on the ITV series "Long Lost Family."
David McBride and Helen Ward.
To their shock and joy, they subsequently found John, a third full sibling.
John Dowling.
They believe there is a fourth sibling out there and are hoping this documentary will encourage that person to get in touch.
United in their desire to uncover more of the truth about their family and the circumstances surrounding their parents’ decision to abandon them, the "Phone Box Babies" documentary follows the siblings as they uncover untold stories that reflect the Ireland of the past.
Their mother was a young Catholic woman from the Republic of Ireland who, in the 1940s, began an affair with a married Protestant man from Northern Ireland, who was 17 years her senior and had 14 children of his own. This affair endured for decades and, in that time, David, John, and Helen were born – and given up.
Speaking about the documentary, Helen Ward said: “This documentary has opened up the lines of communication about our biological parents, with people willing to share their stories.
"I hope the documentary fosters understanding and empathy, especially about what it’s like to have to question your roots.
"I hope it encourages people to be open and receptive to helping others with similar experiences.
"The longing for connection with family is valid and deeply human.”
Helen Ward.
With both biological parents now deceased, the siblings confront painful truths about their parents’ complex relationship and the impact of this abandonment on their own lives.
They face a challenging journey in their quest for answers, but with the support of newly discovered half-siblings and family friends (including snooker legend Ken Doherty), they remain determined to unearth the buried secrets of their family’s past, in the hope that it will bring them closer together.
"The Phone Box Babies" airs on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 9:35 pm on Wednesday, July 2.