Dublin’s Rotunda Hospital welcomed two Christmas babies born just one minute apart in the early hours of Christmas Day.
The first baby born in the country today is believed to be a boy who arrived at 00.06am.
Baby Ronan weighed 3.23kg (7lb 2oz) and was born to proud parents Kristin and Colm Concannon, from Kilbarrack in Dublin.
Just a minute later, baby boy David, born at 3.27kg, was introduced to the world at 00.07am, also in the Rotunda.
His delighted parents, Natalia and Constantin Simciuc, from Tyrrelstown in Dublin, celebrated his arrival.
He was later photographed with his mother and midwife Elsie Cotterill.
Baby David with his mother Natalia Simciuc and midwife Elsie Cotterill
Also in Dublin, the Coombe Hospital welcomed its first Christmas baby at 00.41am today.
Baby girl Croía, born at 3.27kg, was welcomed by her delighted parents Jodie and Jeremy McMullan from Kill, Co Kildare.
A new mum, Ms McMullan described her first child as a “miracle baby”.
“When I saw her for the first time, I couldn’t believe she was actually here. I was in shock and instantly in love,” she told the Irish Independent.
“I had a long road to Croía’s pregnancy; she’s a miracle baby, it was hard to believe she was in the world now and all mine.
“Being Christmas Day kind of didn’t register with me, I was tunnel-focused on getting her here. I lost track of time,” she added.
Ms McMullan said her family were all excited to meet little Croía.
“We’ll be going home Saturday, all going well. My parents were straight in today to meet Croía, they are so happy for me and Jeremy.
“Both of my brothers and in-laws are all very excited to meet her soon, and so are our nieces and nephews.”
Baby Croía with her parents Jodie and Jeremy McMullan
Baby Croía held by mother Jodie McMullan
Later in the morning, a baby boy, Tommy, came into the world at 7.09am in the Rotunda Hospital.
Baby Tommy, weighing 3.7kg, was welcomed by his proud parents, Ruth and Gary Kenna from Kinsealy, Dublin.
Baby Tommy with new parents Ruth and Gary Kenna