Five are born on New Year’s Day
FIVE BABIES were welcomed into the world, and 2018, at Wexford General Hospital on New Year’s Day.
The first baby born at the hospital also had the distinction of being the third baby born in the country.
Parents Marion Byrne and James Carty from Kiltealy welcomed their first child Caoimhe at 00.30 a.m. though she was considerably earlier that expected. Weighing just five lbs, 10 oz, Caoimhe was six weeks early, originally due on February 11.
Her mother Marian said: ‘ She just didn’t want to stay in. Everything is OK though, she’s a hardy little thing, and we’re hoping to have her home in a few weeks. It was an eventful New Year’s Day - not quite what we planned but nice all the same.’
The next baby born was Mia Muldoon, who arrived at 1.42 a.m. to parents Joanne and Rick Muldoon. Weighing 8lbs, five oz, Mia is the couple’s second child, joining doting big sister, 14-year-old Ellie. Mia was due to be born on New Year’s Day and arrived on time.
‘She didn’t want to leave her mother waiting,’ said mother Joanne, adding that everyone was home and doing well.
The third baby born arrived at 7.31 a.m. Born to parents Jennifer O’Brien and Aidan Kennedy, baby Rhys weighed exactly 8lbs and is the couple’s third child, joining an older brother, sister, and a half-brother.
His mother, Jennifer explained that she worked for the GAA and said that she had received lots of texts congratulating her on reaching the New Year as it means an extra year of underage hurling or football !
‘ The child might never pick up a hurl in his life!’ she laughed, adding that all of the family were looking forward to celebrating the New Year with their new addition.
The fourth child born was Conal Nolan, who arrived at 3.53 p.m., and weighed seven lbs, seven oz. Born to Elizabeth and Colin Nolan, the family hails from Kildavin.
Baby Christopher Barry O’Brien was the last child born on New Year’s Day, arriving at 8.18 p.m. and weighing seven lbs, seven oz. The son of Olivia and James O’Brien, the family is from Courtown and Christopher Barry is their sixth child. He will be well looked after by an older sister (13) and four older brothers, aged 10, seven, six and three.
Mother Olivia said Christopher Barry was a week early so his New Year’s Day arrival was definitely a surprise but a good one.