Two men claim to be the father of two-year-old girl

An “unusual case” involving competing claims about paternity of a two-year-old girl came before Ennis District Family Court yesterday.

Two men have applied to the court for guardianship of the toddler and they both have agreed to undertake DNA tests to determine who is the girl’s father.

In September, the first man — a former boyfriend of the mother — applied for guardianship of the girl.

This was followed by the husband of the mother also applying for guardianship.

The husband only married the woman subsequent to the birth of the baby so automatic guardianship does not apply.

The man who does secure guardianship will have the right to have a say in all major decisions affecting the child’s upbringing.

Yesterday, the married couple appeared in court and the ex-boyfriend was not present for the short hearing.

Addressing the couple, the judge said: “This is an unusual case where we have two men both claiming the paternity of one baby.”

The woman’s former boyfriend has agreed to pay for the DNA tests.

None of the parties can be identified as the case took place in a family law court.

The husband told the court that he has been unable to have the DNA tests carried out by his local GP so will have to go to Limerick to undergo the DNA tests.

Judge Durcan said the matter should be adjourned to January to determine guardianship and allow the DNA tests take place.

He told the husband: “If the hospital is not in touch with you, the Court Registrar will assist you”.

The case was adjourned to January 15.