AN Irish maternity hospital has witnessed arrivals like never before with quadruplets, triplets and twins all welcomed into the world.
The neonatal unit at University Maternity Hospital Limerick has been particularly busy in recent weeks, with the arrival of the nine babies as well as another 12 'singletons'.
The hospital said it is the first time the unit has cared for sets of quads, triplets and twins and singletons all at the same time.
Lisa Fenton from Caherconlish made history on October 5 when she gave birth to the first set of quadruplets born in Limerick in 50 years. Other quads from the midwest born in the intervening years had been delivered in Dublin-based maternity units.
Babies Alexander, Ashley, Maxwell and Kayla are the first children born to Lisa and Wayne Downey and were delivered by Professor Amanda Cotter and her team.
The hospital said the quads "have been doing very well" in the neonatal unit.
Triplets Dáire, Liam and Aisling Cussen were born on October 27 to parents Olive and William and will soon be strong enough to go home to Limerick.
Twins Ashton and Leo Mulcahy were born on October 13 to mum Lydia O’Doherty and dad Calum Mulcahy from Annacotty.
A further 12 'singletons' are also being looked after in the neonatal unit.
A stunning snap has captured the extraordinary moment the quads, triplets, twins and single newborn babies were together.
Photographer PJ Corbett - who specialises in newborn portraiture - is a regular visitor to the unit and was on hand to capture the moment when the unique 4-3-2-1 combination of premature newborns was brought together for a photo.
Representing the 12 tiny singletons currently being looked after in the neonatal unit in PJ’s photograph is Maggie Roche from Co Cork, born to parents Mairead and Kieran on October 26.
Consultant neonatologist Dr Roy Philip said: "We have had the pleasure of looking after quadruplets, triplets, twins and singletons in the Neonatal Units at various times over the years but not as far as any of us are aware all at the same time in Limerick.
"It is a special occasion for all of the team working here and it is a time of great joy for us as well as their parents.
"The dedication and teamwork of the antenatal, perinatal and neonatal clinical teams of our maternity hospital is reflected in the wellbeing of the babies and we are proud of it.
"It is a happy coincidence also to have them all here together as we get ready to mark World Prematurity Day on November 11."
Clinical nurse manager Marie Carroll: "It was amazing to get all 10 babies together for a special photo. We are very grateful to PJ, who left his studio in Adare without hesitation to come in and take the photo.
"He clearly is a very talented photographer to manage to get such a beautiful image of so many babies at once.
"Christmas has come early for some families this year. All 10 of them are doing well and should hopefully be back at home with their families before December 25."
