'He needed a couple of operations': The 2 Johnnies star announces arrival of baby boy

Johnny Smacks said his son, JJ, was diagnosed with gastroschisis when he was born

Johnny Smacks of The 2 Johnnies has announced the arrival of baby boy, JJ. Picture: The 2 Johnnies/Instagram

The 2 Johnnies star Johnny Smacks has announced that he and his wife Annie have welcomed a baby boy named JJ.

The podcaster and entertainer, whose real name is Johnny McMahon, said JJ was diagnosed with gastroschisis when he was born and praised the staff at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) in Crumlin for their care of his son.

"I’m delighted to share some incredibly special news. A few weeks ago, Annie and I welcomed our little boy, JJ, into the world, and I’m officially a dad," he said.

"It’s been a whirlwind, but the best kind. From early in the pregnancy, we knew there would be complications, and when JJ was born he was diagnosed with gastroschisis.

"He needed a couple of operations straight away, and he’ll be in hospital for a while yet, but he’s already shown unbelievable fight. I’m happy to say he’s doing well and getting stronger every day."

Gastroschisis is a type of abdominal wall defect that occurs when a child’s abdomen does not develop fully while in the womb. It can lead to the intestines developing outside, leaving them open to the air when the child is born.

Mr McMahon said he was so proud of his wife, Annie, and grateful to the health care staff at Crumlin.

"I want to give a massive thank-you to the amazing staff in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin. The care, support, and kindness they’ve shown us has been outstanding, and we’ll never be able to thank them enough.

"Most of all, I want to say how proud I am of Annie. She’s been incredible throughout everything — strong, calm, and absolutely heroic. JJ is lucky to have her as his mam. For now, we’re just taking it all in, celebrating our little man, and looking forward to bringing him home when he’s ready."

As a thank you for the care Mr McMahon and his family received, the 2Johnnies are set to organise a charity family show in the 3Arena next Easter with proceeds going to the Children’s Health Foundation.

Mr McMahon's podcast partner Johnny B said: "I’m over the moon for Smacks and Annie, they will be great parents. They’ve been unreal the last few months. That child is gonna have the best runners in Ireland."

Mr McMahon said he will discuss his son's diagnoses and share more about his and Annie's fertility journey on his podcast on Monday.

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