TODAY MARKS THE 35th anniversary of the death of Ann Lovett, a 15-year-old schoolgirl who died after giving birth alone at a grotto in Granard, Co Longford.

This day 35 years ago – 31 January 1984 – Ann Lovett, a 15-year-old girl, was found beside a grotto in Co. Longford, having given birth to a stillborn baby. She later died.

Soon after, Gay Byrne read out letters on his radio show from listeners who had also given birth in secret pic.twitter.com/98G56C4Lwb

— This Day in Irish History (@ThisDayIrish) January 31, 2019

The teenager’s death, which ignited nationwide discussion at the time, continues to cast a long shadow as members of the public question a system which failed Ann, and her infant son.

Last year, the news that the Republic of Ireland would be granted a referendum on the hugely contentious 8th Amendment compelled many social media users to remember Ann, and countless other women, as the country prepared for what was to be an emotionally draining number of months in the lead up to May 25th.

Since both Ann’s death, and her last anniversary, the country has born witness to considerable political and social change.

And today, the tributes to Ann have heralded her bravery and made reference to the strides which have been made in relation to female bodily autonomy in the Republic.

"35 years ago, 31 Jan, 1984, 15 years old & pregnant, Ann Lovett died, shortly after giving birth at the grotto in Granard. The news of her concealed pregnancy, her death & that of her baby would horrify and galvanise Ireland, especially Irishwomen." https://t.co/m3IHzaSP2y

— Ann Fitzpatrick (@ann123fitz) January 31, 2019

Remembering #AnnLovett on the 35th anniversary of her death and thankful that there are now specific services to support and care for teen parents in Ireland. I’m proud to say that @Barnardos_IRL is one of them 💚 pic.twitter.com/7A5Rp6PawW

— Mary Gamble (@MsMaryGamble) January 31, 2019

Ann didn't live to see the profound social changes in Irish society but her story brought home the cruelties of 'old Ireland'. The desire among most of us to leave such an Ireland behind has, quite rightly, been a major factor shaping recent referendum outcomes. #AnnLovett https://t.co/eee7Q5PeTA

— Adam Long (@adamlong80) January 31, 2019

35 years ago today 15-year-old schoolgirl #AnnLovett died, her tragic death forced people to confront Ireland’s attitude to women and pregnancy outside marriage. Since then Ireland has changed a lot but there's much more to be done on equality & the stereotyping of single parents pic.twitter.com/H2dXfwNcwf

— One Family (@1familyireland) January 31, 2019

God we’ve changed as a country in 35 years, Thank God

— Jean Mac (@jeanmac) January 31, 2019

"Ann Lovett" I recall crying in my bedroom when I heard about this. Old Ireland did not help this girl when she needed it the most.

— susan bevan (@darlabevan) January 31, 2019

This day 35 years ago, 31st of January 1984, Ann Lovett, a 15-year-old girl, was found beside a grotto in Granard, Co. Longford, having given birth to a stillborn baby. She later died.

Ireland has come a long way. pic.twitter.com/6FJjkvKFRd

— John McGahon (@John_McGahon) January 31, 2019

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