Cork's only quads celebrated their first birthday yesterday at the Erinville Hospital in the city where staff threw a party in their honour, writes Olivia Kelleher.
Mrs Brenda Murphy (35) of Riverstick, Co Cork, gave birth to Kellie, Shauna, Amy and Katie, in the hospital on January 22nd, 2001.The girls were born within five minutes of each other and ranged in weight from just 1lb 14oz to 2lbs 1oz.
Proud mother, Brenda, said she has had a hectic year: "It has been chaotic at times. We change nearly 30 nappies a day. I still can't believe that I am the mother of four healthy babies. They are four little miracles really."
Their father, Mr Pat Murphy, who has a plant hire business, said they would never have got through the last year without the help of family members, friends and nursing staff at the Southern Health Board.
The couple also have a son, three year old Cian.
Forged €50 notes found in Waterford
Gardaí in Waterford have warned shoppers and retailers to be vigilant following the discovery of numerous counterfeit €50 notes.
Several businesses in the city centre have been passed the notes, which are of reasonably good quality and gardaí are asking the public and retail staff to check before accepting €50 notes.
Gardaí say they do not yet know if a gang or individual is distributing the notes.
Salmon return from the North Atlantic
Over 1,000 adult salmon released just over two years ago by the ESB on the river Shannon have returned from the North Atlantic, writes Lorna Siggins. This was an increase on the figure for last year.
During November and December last year some 1,114 adult salmon carrying fin markings returned. This compared to 700 for 2001. Fin markings show that the fish were released as smolts two to three years ago.
Apart from the marked salmon, some 680 "wild" or unmarked fish were also recorded. Some 1.75 million salmon fry were released by ESB Fisheries last year to support stocks.
Naval Service detains trawler
The Naval Service has made its first fishery detention of the year, apprehending an Irish registered vessel off the Kerry coast.
The Ardent was detained by the LE Eithne some 60 miles west of Valentia yesterday for allegedly exceeding its monthly quota.