All-Ireland winning Limerick hurler and fiancée welcome baby boy
CHRISTMAS has come early for All-Ireland winning Limerick hurler Shane Dowling and his fiancé Paula Donnelly as they have welcomed a baby boy together.
The 30 year-old Caherdavin man shared a picture on Instagram of their new arrival, Tommy Dowling, who was born on December 11.
The Na Piarsaigh man said he was "feeling blessed" alongside the picture of his new son, who was wrapped up in a cosy onesie with a note saying "Yippee I am going home today" alongside him.
Shane and Paula welcomed their first child almost a year to the day that they announced their engagement after a romantic proposal at Adare Manor.
Shane, who is an Operations Manager for Ryan's Centra Group and his former Limerick ladies footballer fiancé were congratulated on Instagram by stars of the sporting world.
Former Mayo football star Conor Mortimer commented on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Congrats Boss. The best joy".
Former Tipperary hurling manager Liam Sheedy also wished the pair well on the new addition to their family.
Seanie Tobin, one of Shane's former teammates, said Tommy's arrival was "wonderful news" and welcomed him to the world.