Cork quads: Back at hospital on 18th birthday

Cake for four: Consultant Professor John R Higgins with Katie, Kellie, Amy and Shauna Murphy

Breda Heffernan

They made a rushed entry into the world when they were born 13 weeks early, each weighing around 2lbs.

But yesterday the Murphy quadruplets from Cork were back in a maternity hospital to celebrate their 18th birthday with some of the doctors and nurses who helped deliver them.

Kellie, Katie, Shauna and Amy Murphy made headlines when they were born 18 years ago to proud parents Brenda and Patrick, from Riverstick.

The quadruplets were all born by caesarean section in the space of five minutes - and all within 30 minutes of their mother going into premature labour.

In one of the biggest medical preparations ever seen in Cork, a team of 45 medics had been on 24-hour standby for weeks.

Yesterday, the sisters, now Leaving Cert students, celebrated their milestone birthday at Cork University Maternity Hospital with Professor John R Higgins, consultant obstetrician, who helped deliver them.

"They are now happy and healthy young adults, each with different aspirations and talents and great opportunities ahead of them. We wish them the best of luck for the future," he said.

For Brenda, meeting the staff again was a moving experience and she praised their expertise.