"Bubbly, Fearless, Confident:" Ann Lovett Remembered On 40th Anniversary Of Her Death

Wednesday, 31 January 2024 11:00

Granard, Longford - Photo Credit: Google Maps

The 15-year-old died on this day in 1984, in Longford.

Ann Lovett is being remembered as a bubbly, fearless and confident girl on the 40th anniversary of her death.

The 15-year-old was discovered in a grotto in Granard, Longford, with her still-born baby lying next to her, on this day in 1984.

She later died in Mullingar Hospital, due to shock caused by haemorrhage and exposure.

Gardaí say her death was fully investigated and the DPP directed no prosecution be taken.

Senator Sharon Keogan was a friend of Ann's - she recalls the moment she found out what had happened:

In a statement, Gardaí say the investigation remains open and they continue to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

Former Master of Holles Street maternity hospital, Dr. Peter Boylan says Ann Lovett's death was "particularly tragic", and paved the way for social change:

Her death led to national outcry about the treatment of teenage and unmarried mothers, and helped pave the way for social change.

EU Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly was the journalist who broke the story - she says the death of Ann and her baby caused shockwaves in conservative Ireland: