The family of Irish missionary Gena Heraty, who was kidnapped in Haiti last month, say they are “relieved beyond words” following her release.
Heraty, originally from Westport, County Mayo, serves as director of an orphanage near Port-au-Prince. She was among several people abducted by armed men in Kenscoff on August 3, prompting international appeals for her safe return, including from Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.
In a statement on Friday, her family confirmed that she and the other captives had been freed. “We are so deeply grateful to everyone, in Haiti and internationally, who has worked tirelessly over these terrible weeks to help secure their safe return,” the statement said.
The family expressed thanks to Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris, Irish Ambassador to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nason, and others who supported efforts to secure her release. They also acknowledged the “outpouring of concern, love, prayers, and solidarity” from friends, neighbors, and communities around the world, adding that their priority now is Heraty’s “health, protection and privacy.”
Harris confirmed that Heraty and the others are “safe and well,” describing the news as “the outcome we had all hoped for.” He praised the Heraty family’s resilience during what he called an “extraordinarily difficult and stressful” ordeal.
The tánaiste (deputy prime minister) also described Heraty as a “respected humanitarian and deeply courageous person” who has dedicated her life to helping vulnerable children in Haiti. While welcoming her release, he stressed that the wider crisis in Haiti must not be forgotten.
Local broadcaster Tommy Marren, who has interviewed Heraty several times, said there was “a great sense of relief” in her hometown. He added that Heraty has always shown extraordinary resilience and believes she will remain committed to her work in Haiti. The family, he said, hopes she will return to Mayo before the end of the year.
Heraty oversees the orphanage run by the humanitarian organization Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (Our Little Brothers and Sisters) in Kenscoff, about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) southeast of the capital.
According to Mayor Massillon Jean, the August 3 kidnapping was a “planned attack,” with assailants breaking through a wall before entering the residence where Heraty was staying. Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste reported that gang members were believed to be behind the abduction.
Gang violence and kidnappings are widespread in and around Port-au-Prince, where the United Nations estimates armed groups control 85% of the city. In the first half of 2025 alone, UN figures show nearly 350 people were kidnapped across Haiti.
