Newborns deliver Christmas joy to parents

LEON WEAFER was the first of 11 babies born in Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital on Christmas Day.

Son of proud mother Lisa, from Finglas, young Leon made his debut at 12.24am and weighed in at 7lb 6oz.

At University College Hospital in Galway, Owen Silke was delivered at 12.13am. Both baby and mother, Lisa, from Nashville, Tennessee, are doing well. Young Owen weighed in at 8lb 14oz.

Delighted first-time father Tim said: “It was just unbelievable. She was due on Christmas Day, so anything was a possibility.”

Tim, a civil engineer, from Montiagh, Claregalway, Co Galway, met his wife in London and they settled in Co Galway.

Co Wicklow first-time mother Margaret Fitzsimons from Kilpedder delivered a baby girl early.

Baby Ella arrived at 12.21am at the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin weighing 6lb 15oz.

Cork’s first Christmas delivery was baby Thomas Timothy Murray at 1.42am at Erinville Maternity Hospital. His mother, Norma, is from Aghabullogue, Coachford, Co Cork, and the baby scaled 8lb 6oz.