First baby of year born in the Rotunda Hospital at 35 seconds past midnight – The Irish Times

The first babies of 2026 were welcomed into the world in Dublin and Belfast just after midnight, marking the start of the new year. Several hospitals across Ireland reported births within the first few minutes of January 1st.

First Babies of 2026 Arrive

Elliot was the first baby born, arriving at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin at 35 seconds past midnight, weighing 3.65kg (8lbs 1oz). His parents are Rachel and Adam Deak from Rathnew, Co Wicklow.

Millie Elizabeth Kelleher followed closely behind, born at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin at 40 seconds past midnight, weighing 2.9kg (6lbs 6oz). Her parents, Sally and John Kelleher, are from Naas, Co Kildare, and she is their second child.

At the Coombe Hospital in Dublin, Kash was born at two minutes past midnight, weighing 3.8kg (8lbs 5oz). His parents, Rebecca and Keane Burke, are from Dublin 8. Leo McNamee arrived at the same hospital five minutes past midnight, weighing 3.65kg (8lbs 1oz), to parents Danielle and Troy from Lucan, Co Dublin.

Anjali was also born at the Coombe Hospital, six minutes after midnight, weighing 3.1kg (6lbs 13oz). Her mother, Ranjitha Sivakumar, is from Dublin.

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 National Maternity Hospital

Professor Jennifer Walsh was inaugurated as the new master of the National Maternity Hospital on January 1st, beginning a seven-year term. She is the second female clinician to hold the role in the hospital’s 132-year history.

Professor Walsh succeeds Professor Shane Higgins, who will continue as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Holles Street. More than 7,000 babies were delivered at the National Maternity Hospital in 2025.