Close contest in baby stakes

The competitive edge to delivering babies is never more to the fore than New Year’s Eve when maternity units around the country vie for the title of “first baby”.

This year, it’s a tale of two cities, first Limerick, then Cork, with just two minutes separating winner from runner-up. Baby Leo arrived at a minute past midnight, delivered by two midwives — Noreen Kelly and Fionnuala Flavin — at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick. Weighing in at 6lbs 10.5oz, he is the first son born to Carmel McNamara and partner Charles Maples. Waiting at home to welcome him in Kilmihil, Co Clare, are sisters Kelly and Áine.

Assistant director of midwifery at the hospital, Margaret Quigley, said the birth had gone well and that Leo’s parents were delighted.