The new year arrived with a flurry of new life across Ireland and Northern Ireland. The first baby of 2026 was born at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin just 35 seconds after midnight, marking the beginning of a special time for families.
First Moments of 2026
Elliot, weighing 3.65kg (8lbs 1oz), was the first to arrive, welcomed by parents Rachel and Adam Deak of Rathnew, Co Wicklow. Just five seconds later, at 40 seconds past midnight, Millie Elizabeth Kelleher was born at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, weighing 2.9kg (6lbs 6oz). Her parents, Sally and John Kelleher, are from Naas, Co Kildare, and Millie joins a family with a 20-month-old brother, Max.
The Coombe Hospital in Dublin also saw a busy start to the year. Kash arrived at two minutes past midnight, weighing 3.8kg (8lbs 5oz), for parents Rebecca and Keane Burke of Dublin 8. Leo McNamee followed at five minutes past midnight, also weighing 3.65kg (8lbs 1oz), with parents Danielle and Troy from Lucan, Co Dublin. Anjali was born six minutes after midnight, weighing 3.1kg (6lbs 13oz), to Ranjitha Sivakumar of Dublin.
Across the border, Rosie-Lee Harkin was born at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital at 10 seconds past midnight, weighing 2.8kg (6lbs 1oz). Her parents are Natasha Byers and Daniel Larkin, from Lurgan, Co Armagh.
New Leadership at the National Maternity Hospital
The arrival of these newborns coincided with a change in leadership at the National Maternity Hospital. Professor Jennifer Walsh was inaugurated as the new master, beginning a seven-year term. She succeeds Professor Shane Higgins, who will continue his work as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist.
The National Maternity Hospital delivered more than 7,000 babies in 2025, suggesting a continued demand for maternity services in the region. It is likely to remain a central hub for families welcoming new children in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hospitals reported the first births of 2026?
The Rotunda Hospital, the National Maternity Hospital, the Coombe Hospital, and Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital all reported births within the first few minutes of 2026.
How many babies were born at the National Maternity Hospital in 2025?
More than 7,000 babies were delivered at the National Maternity Hospital in 2025.
Who is the new master of the National Maternity Hospital?
Professor Jennifer Walsh is the new master of the National Maternity Hospital, beginning a seven-year term.
As these families begin their journeys into parenthood, it’s worth considering how these new arrivals will shape the future.
