30 HOURS, 207 MILES AND ONE VERY BEAUTIFUL BABY

3am, December 31: Best man Declan is woken by his pregnant partner Joanie, whose waters have broken. They drive 25 miles from Killarney to hospital in Tralee.

Noon: Assured there won’t be movement for a while, Declan drives to the reception in the Killarney Oaks hotel, where the groom, his brother Billy, has his dress suit ready and waiting for him. 1pm: Wedding service takes place.

1.45pm: A few wedding photographs and he’s back off to Tralee again.

4pm: Still no stir, back to Killarney. Eats and then delivers his best man’s speech.

5.30pm: Returns to Tralee for an hour, before Joanie persuades him to return to the reception to take part in the traditional first dance of the night with the chief bridesmaid.

7pm: Runs in the door of the hotel as the strains of the band playing their opening tune assails his ears, grabs his dancing partner and takes to the floor to a round of applause from guests, who are all too aware of the incredible efforts he has been making.

9.30pm: The final trip of the day to say good night to Joanie.

Midnight: A return trip to the hotel and finally time for bed, but he admits he was too tired to sleep. 6.30am January 1: A call from the hospital wakes him up and he is on his way back to his wife’s side once more.

8.20am: A drained Declan is in the room as baby Hannah weighs in at slightly under 6lbs, as her shattered dad realises that it’s all been worth it. Result: 207 miles driven. One beautiful baby born.