Cassidy quins spreading festive cheer and chaos

THEY aren’t talking in sentences yet, but already the Cassidy quintuplets are in the thick of a heated debate at their Co Wexford home.

Mammy reckons it's time for a Christmas tree but Daddy has visions of endless games of hunt the baubles under the sofa or pull the pine needles from the nappy if 50 curious fingers get anywhere near the decorations.

"It's the subject of a dispute at the moment," mum, Veronica, explained diplomatically, but hinting that whatever decision is reached might involve more climbdown than compromise.

"A gift came the other day in Christmas paper and it was a house that's lit up with fairy lights and plays Merry Christmas and they all went mad for that," she said.

This time last year Veronica and husband Kevin were just praying they'd have all their babies home in Bridgetown in time for Christmas a prayer answered when the last two tiny infants were released from hospital five days from December 25.

A year on, the only concern the proud parents have about their 15-month-old miracle youngsters is how far they're likely to crawl in how little time and what mischief they'll get up to when they get their.

Conor, Derbhail, Cian, Amy and Rory travelled to Dublin yesterday with their mother, grandmothers Mary Cassidy and Doris Bouchier and carer Hazel Furlong, to launch the new child and parenting section on the VHI website, vhihealthe.com.

They took the starring role in their stride, obligingly slipping into snuggly snowsuits for the occasion and enduring the attention of dozens of camera flashes without so much as a single demand for a masseuse or semi-sparkling Indonesian mineral water.

Hazel described the quins distinct personalities. Conor is the biggest and bossiest and was clearly of the belief that it was his duty to check out each of his sibling's toys to make sure they were worthy of playtime.

Derbhail is instantly recognisable by her high pitch squeals which signify everything from delight to displeasure and has taken to giving a disapproving "ah-ah" before doing something she knows she isn't supposed to.

Cian, the quietest, is laid back but watches all goings-on intensely. He was also first to discover that fleecy hats are more fun to play with than wear and promptly removed his, unveiling the group's only curly head.

Amy, who only the night before was in a fever and looking doubtful for yesterday's appearance, is the giggler and even an accidental thump on the head from a plastic hammer wielded by Conor couldn't shake her smile.

Rory is the smallest of the boys but asserted his presence with a short-lived weep which didn't quite reach tear-producing intensity before showing his boy band potential by energetically jangling a musical toy.

They haven't got the hang of the Santa business yet but if Christmas day is anything like any other day, it will be full of activity, given their hectic schedule.

"It goes like: breakfast 8am, sleep, lunch around 1pm, back to sleep, bit of mischief, dinner, mischief and bed," said Hazel.

"It's the same for us without the mischief."