‘She’s a real wee warrior’

The first baby to be delivered at Cavan General Hospital in 2025 was little baby Naoíse Beggan at 12:53am.

Born to mum Shannon Kelly and proud dad John Beggan from Monaghan, little Naoíse arrived safe and well weighing in at 7lb 13oz.

Staff at Dublin’s National Maternity Hospital, meanwhile, welcomed their first baby born in Ireland this year at just 19 seconds after midnight on January 1. When the Celt caught up with mum Shannon, baby Naoíse was tucked up cosy and sleeping at their family home in Clones. With new big brother Casey – who turns two in March- the family are living in the moment.

“We're just in a wee bubble, of ourselves. We're just so happy to have her here with us,” says Shannon, who wasn't due to give birth until January 5 but was induced almost a week early.

“She's a great wee thing. To have a boy and girl now, not that it's make any difference, but it is lovely.”

Everyone is so delighted for Shannon and John. The pair have been overwhelmed by the kind comments and warm congratulations that have come their wey.

Naoíse is the third granddaughter on John's side and first on Shannon's.

Naoíse's delivery at Cavan General was consultant led after early scans picked up a small defect in her heart.

But she arrived healthy and happy and continues to thrive in care of her doting parents.

“It's like her name says, she's a real wee warrior,” regards Shannon of her newborn daughter.

Mum Shannon meanwhile praised the standard of care both she and Naoíse received at the local hospital.

“Everyone has their story. But we said it so many times to each other when we were in there, [the staff] don't get the credit they deserve. They're so, so busy, but it doesn't matter. They're just fantastic. We left as if Naoíse was the only baby born that week. That's how much they looked after us. They're worth their weight in gold.”