‘Jack-pot’ time for the Houlihans

BABY JACK IS FIRST ARRIVAL OF 2013

THE memory of the late Jack ‘Davy’ O’Connell from Portmagee will live strong in 2013 and beyond, after Kerry’s first New Year’s baby was named in his honour.

Portmagee native Kathleen Houlihan (nee O’Shea) and her husband Dermot from Tralee welcomed baby Jack into the world at 12.29am, weighing in at a healthy 8lbs 7oz,.

The proud mum, who now lives in Tralee’s Marian Park, told The Kerryman that the name ‘Jack’ had a very special meaning for her and her family.

“Jack ‘Davy’ O’Connell was a neighbour of mine back home in Portmagee and a very close family friend,” Kathleen explained. “He passed away two years ago so I wanted to name my baby after him.”

Among the first well wishers into Kerry General Hospital to welcome baby Jack on Tuesday was 12-year-old step sister Sophie, who Kathleen said was over the moon with the new arrival.

“It’s all going very well so far and she’s well impressed with him, so long may it continue,” she joked.

Also on their way later in the day were Kathleen’s parents - and first time grand parents - Margaret and Michael O’Shea and her sister Sinead, who were travelling in from Portmagee, along with Dermot’s parents Sheila and Dermot Houlihan.

While looking forward to taking baby Jack home, Kathleen was full of praise for the midwives and nurses who have been looking after her and also wished to thank her GP, Dr Anne McSwiney and her nurse Ann who were a massive support.

Meanwhile, another Tralee couple enjoyed a very special Christmas present this year, with the arrival of their little bundle of joy on Christmas Day,

Baby Patrick Foran was born at 1.31am on Tuesday last, to the delight of mom Claire Colloff and Robert Foran.

Photo by John Cleary ■ Baby Jack Houlihan, Tralee, was born at 29 minutes into New Year's Day at Kerry General Hospital, weighing 8lbs 8ozs. Jack is pictured with his parents, Kathleen and Dermot Houlihan, Tralee.

Photo by John Cleary. ■ Baby Patrick Foran, who was born at Kerry General Hospital, on Christmas day at 1.31am, and weighting 7lbs 13 ozs, pictured with his mother Claire Colloff, and his father Robert Foran, Tralee.