When death came to a small town
There are still more questions than answers about the tragic death of Ann Lovett and her baby in a church grotto in 1984. Chris Fitzpatrick visits the teenager’s home town of Granard and reflects on a story that reveals our country’s dark history
“The weight of this sad time we must obey; Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say”
(King Lear, William Shakespeare)
It says “Kneel & Pray” on the kerbstone in front of Ann Lovett’s grave in the old Granardkill cemetery, a few miles outside the town of Granard, Co Longford. The kerbstone is wider where these words are etched, so you can kneel on it.
Although it’s late in the evening, ...