Baby Daithi's arrival is making it a real baker's dozen for the Maher family...

Claire Murphy

IT may be unlucky for some but it seems 13 is the magic number for the Maher family. There is now a baker's dozen of children in this family – all under 15 years of age.

Dubliner Paul Maher and his wife Edel have welcomed their 13th child into their impressively large brood.

Proud dad yesterday revealed to the Herald that Daithi Stephen Maher was born at 8.57am on October 28 and weighed in at a substantial 9lbs 13oz.

And he revealed they are chuffed to bits that they now have 10 boys and three girls. The proud dad said: "We've had a baby boy and we're delighted."

The Mahers have opted for Irish names for their expanding household.

And Paul – who works at Dublin Airport – said that he is eternally grateful for the help from eldest brothers Eoin (15), Cian (12), Darragh (11) and Cathal (10) who assist in organising breakfast for their younger siblings.

They are Conor (8), twins Odhran and Oisin (7), Fionn (6), Aisling (5), Cillian (4), Sadhbh (3) and Caoimhe (1).

Paul and Edel, who live in Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan, originally vowed to stop having babies after their 11th child, Sadhbh, was born. At the time he said: "Our 11th child arrived on the day of our 11th wedding anniversary. It is divine intervention saying stop."

But Paul described Caoimhe as a happy surprise for everyone – particularly the only other girls Sadhbh and Caoimhe. "The girls are over the moon. Edel is delighted."

DELIGHT

Now baby Daithi will bring even more sunshine and squeals of delight to the Maher home. However, the novelty of a new baby might not be quite what it used to be.

Paul explained: "We used to have a little 'return home' routine where the new baby would buy something small for everyone. "After a certain number, that went out the window – it became like 'Little Christmas'."

Paul revealed organisation is key when it comes to dealing with their mammoth brood. He said: "It is all down to routine – we have it nailed down. All the breakfast bowls are pre-arranged the night before on the table and all the uniforms are folded neatly.

"If everything is set up, that takes the pressure off."

cmurphy@herald.ie