Brody McWilliams Brown is believed to be the first baby to be born in Ireland in 2021, arriving just moments after the clock struck twelve.
Arriving at just four seconds after midnight in The National Maternity Hospital on Holles Street, parents Jennifer McWilliams and Eric Brown are over the moon with the news of his newfound fame.
Hailing from Sallynoggin, the new parents chatted with Newstalk's Tom Douglas about the past 12 hours.
Ms McWilliams said: "I had no clue until I was induced that he might be one of the first. A few comments were made [by hospital staff] just laughing about it but we didn't actually think that he'd be the first."
The new parents were told by hospital staff that their little one was among the first 2021 babies in the country. However, the news hasn't fazed them.
"I'm tired but I'm feeling good. Me and the baby are doing great so can't complain. It's great news."
Prof Shane Higgins, Master at The National Maternity Hospital said:
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jennifer on the birth of her first baby, Brody. We would also like to thank her for alerting us to her positive result prior to coming to the hospital and working with our staff in ensuring a safe outcome for all.
"I would once again like to thank all our staff for their professionalism, dedication and empathy throughout the pandemic. It’s ironic that the first baby born in 2021 at The NMH is to a COVID positive Mum.
"We encourage patients to remain vigilant and to continue to adhere to Government guidelines, whilst we await the rollout of the vaccine. We wish all our patients and family a healthy and Happy New Year. ”
Other early 2021 births were celebrated in Midlands Regional Portlaoise, The Coombe, The Rotunda and Our Lady of Lourdes Drogheda.
Last year, 2020's first baby was also born in the capital. Patience Setuke's baby girl was delivered in the Rotunda Hospital and weighed just over 7lbs.
This follows the news of a UNICEF report which states that the 157 Irish babies expected to be born on January 1, 2021 will have a life expectancy of 105 years of age.
This is based on data from last year’s United Nations World Population Prospects which tracks worldwide population growth and ageing.
Babies born in the UK today are expected to live till they’re 100 while babies born in the US will have an average life expectancy of 94.
Main image by Jennifer McWilliams
