Elaine and Triona made a record of a different kind in recent days. Both gave birth to their first children less than an hour and a half apart.

“Marie and I could not believe it when word came through that our first grandchildren were born so close to each other. I presume it is extremely rare for such a thing to happen,” says Frank.

“The phones were buzzing and it is hard to describe the excitement. Thank God everything went great for them and all are doing fine.

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“Elaine had her daughter (Iesult) in Holles Street Hospital in Dublin. She and her husband Eoin Mullowney from Newport live in Dublin. We were thrilled to hear that all had gone so well for them.

“Less than 90 minutes later, another call relayed the good news that Triona’s baby daughter (Aoibh) had arrived safe and sound in Limerick Regional Hospital. Triona is married to Mark Jeffers from Cork and they live in Ballina, Co Tipperary. It was just unbelievable and a complete surprise but the excitement was something else.”