Close contest in baby stakes
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.
“We are thrilled for the parents and for the hospital. It’s nice to have a good news story when so often the news around the health service is bad.
“We are celebrating with them. It’s a great beginning to 2013 for all of us.”
Keeping the flag flying for Munster, Cork University Maternity Hospital came a close second in the first-baby stakes, with little Lexi arriving at three minutes past midnight. Born to Christine Casey and partner Kieran Hodnett, from Castlelake in Carrigtwohill, Lexi already has a sister, Izzi, and a brother, Matti.
Weighing in at 7lbs 6oz, Lexi was delivered by midwife, Mary Newlands, assisted by student midwife, Naomi O’Donovan.
“Christine described the experience as a ‘lovely birth’ and both mum and dad are thrilled with the new addition,” said midwifery manager Maria O’Donovan.
In Dublin, at the National Maternity Hospital at Holles St, baby Sophie was born to Dublin couple Jennifer and Joey Walshe at 17 minutes past midnight. Weighing more than 8lbs, Sophie’s arrival gave her parents a second reason to celebrate: She was born on their second wedding anniversary. Assistant director of midwifery at Holles St, Margaret Kingston, said the couple were “very happy”. “Everything went well,” she said.
Kerry General Hospital was next up with Jack Houlihan, born at 29 minutes past midnight to Kathleen and Dermot Houlihan from Tralee, weighing 8lb 7oz — a brother for Sophie.
The Rotunda, which produced last year’s winner, delivered a little girl, Rebecca, at 48 minutes past midnight. The Coombe followed at 2.15am with 6lb 3oz baby Emma Lyons — a sister for 23-month-old Donnchadh, and daughter of secondary school teacher Deirdre and dad William Lyons, from Dundalk, Co Louth.
The Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise saw Rosita Murray give birth to a girl at 1.30am. Rosita and husband Keith are from Roscrea, Co Tipperary.
At Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Kristina Tairova arrived at 3.58am, a daughter for Drogheda-based couple Inga and Aleksejs Tairova.
By noon yesterday, the hospital had delivered seven new-year babies.
