EXACTLY one year ago, mum-of-one Ciara Leahy was in hospital learning to breastfeed her newborn.

“It was so hard,” says Leahy, who didn’t know then what a difficult journey little Abbey had ahead of her – and how breastfeeding would be a lifesaver for her, and a much-needed comfort for both mum and daughter.

In the immediate aftermath of abbey’s birth, Co Tipperary-based Leahy was in the throes of cluster-feeding. “two nights of it. And after labor you’re fatigued. The baby just keeps going, keeps looking for the boob to bring the milk in.”You have to be in the right mindset to be able to do it. You’re tired, emotional – why is she still crying? Am I doing something wrong?”

Leahy says the support of the Clonmel Hospital lactation consultant was “just amazing”, describing how she checked in on her every day.”She showed me different ways to hold Abbey, how to do it when I was lying down, having a bit of a rest.

“Abbey was in the special care unit with jaundice, and in between going down to feed her every few hours, I was getting some sleep. By the time we went home,we were both almost pros at breastfeeding.”

For Leahy and her husband Ciarán, that first weekend at home in Mullinahone was all about “enjoying our little newborn” and introducing her to family. And while the doctor, at discharge from hospital, had noticed Abbey was missing the red reflex in the back of her left eye, he had also said it was probably nothing to worry about, though he would refer her to an ophthalmologist.

The weekend over, things accelerated – the ophthalmologist in Waterford thought Abbey might have cataracts and brought the eight-day-old baby for ultrasound. “He could see scarring in the back of the left eye and a little on the right, but the left eye was the concern,” recalls Leahy.

Later that day, they got a phone call from a Temple Street-based ophthalmologist – she had seen Abbey’s scans and thought it might be bilateral retinoblastoma. “I couldn’t speak. I was mouthing to Ciarán ‘What’s that?’ Tumours behind the eyes. It broke us – she was a newborn, it didn’t seem possible.”

MRI in Temple Street two days later confirmed eye cancer. “Every eventuality goes through your head. I’d researched [bilateral retinoblastoma] and seen a really high survival statistic – but it’s that word ‘cancer’, it puts the fear of God in you.”

Abbey had four rounds of systemic chemo in Crumlin Hospital but has to travel to Birmingham every four weeks for laser treatment. “They removed her left eye when she was 10 weeks old,so they’re treating the right eye. We’re hopefully nearing the end of treatment now.”

‘Nothing breastfeeding didn’t solve’

Leahy is in no doubt that breastfeeding is what has got her and Abbey through – on several fronts.

“You feel so helpless when you’re told such difficult news, but having the skin-to-skin contact, the closeness, definitely helped Abbey. it also helped me – I felt this was something I could do for her.

“She hated having bloods taken or having her blood pressure measu

Celebrations for New Additions to the Irish Farming Community

the arrival of a new generation is always a joyous occasion, and for Irish farming families, it represents the continuation of a vital tradition. Recent celebrations highlight the personal connections within the agricultural community, with families welcoming new members and marking notable milestones.

New Arrivals and First Birthdays

Across Ireland, farming families are experiencing the joy of parenthood.In county Cork, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald recently shared news of her family’s growth, welcoming a new grandchild. RTE News reported on the event, noting the personal significance for the McDonald family.

In Tipperary, Abbey Leahy celebrated her first birthday yesterday. Her mother shared that Abbey is thriving, learning to walk, and exploring her surroundings. “She’s brilliant. She’s learning how to walk, pulling herself onto furniture. She’s a bubbly little princess,” she said.

the Importance of Family in Irish Farming

The family farm is a cornerstone of Irish agriculture. Generational knowlege transfer is crucial for the sustainability of farming practices, and the arrival of new family members reinforces this legacy. The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) consistently emphasizes the importance of supporting family farms and ensuring their viability for future generations. The IFA advocates for policies that recognize the unique challenges and contributions of family-run agricultural businesses.

Challenges and Opportunities for Future Generations

While the arrival of new family members is a cause for celebration, it also highlights the challenges facing young people considering a career in farming. Issues such as land access, financial sustainability, and work-life balance are significant concerns. However, there are also opportunities for innovation and growth within the sector, particularly in areas like lasting agriculture, agri-tech, and diversification of farm income.

key Takeaways

• The arrival of new family members is a significant event for Irish farming communities.
• Family farms are vital to the Irish agricultural landscape and the transfer of generational knowledge.
• Young people face challenges but also opportunities in pursuing a career in farming.

The continued success of Irish agriculture depends on supporting families and fostering a welcoming environment for the next generation of farmers. As new additions like Abbey Leahy grow up surrounded by the traditions of the land, they represent a hopeful future for the Irish farming community.

Published: 2025/10/05 07:56:46