Parents of Christmas babies delighted to receive greatest gift

The first baby born in Dublin on Christmas Day was Emma Tengur, who weighed in at 3.5kg at 12.38am in the Coombe.

Her parents, Arunesh and Kitti, who live in Swords, were beaming with joy as she slept soundly in mum's arms.

Arunesh said they were overjoyed.

"I can't even describe how happy we are," he said.

"We have a two-year-old daughter at home who can't wait to see her baby sister for the first time.

"She's been looking forward to this day for so long."

Dreams

Arunesh, who is originally from Mauritius, added that he has big dreams for his new daughter.

"I have a feeling she will achieve great things and we'll always try and give her the very best," he said.

The Coombe saw a total of four babies born between midnight and 7am yesterday.

At 2.37am, a 3kg boy was born to Denise and Joe Dolan, from Sallins, Co Kildare.

"We're actually shocked it's a boy," said Denise.

"We were convinced it was going to be a girl and even had several names in mind. Now we're at a loss what to call him, but we're over the moon nonetheless.

"It's our first child and we already love him to bits."

Joe said the issue of which GAA team his baby will support might lead to some family disputes.

"I'm from Cavan and Denise is from Dublin, but I definitely can't have him wearing a blue jersey," he said.

Meanwhile, Justyna Zeilonka's new baby boy, Leon, shares his birthday with his dad, Robert, who was also born on Christmas Day.

Leon was the third baby born at the National Mater- nity Hospital in Holles Street.

Elsewhere, the Boys in Blue gave up their Christmas morning to pay a visit to their young fans at Crumlin and Temple Street children's hospitals.

Dublin GAA stars Jack McCaffrey, Michael Fitzsimons, Stephen Cluxton, Bernard Brogan and Mich- ael Darragh MacAuley brought the Sam Maguire Cup full of toys to the children, who were bursting with joy at their visit.