Family of newborn twins flown back to Donegal by Air Corps express their gratitude

The parents of twins born prematurely who received treatment in Dublin before being flown back to Donegal have expressed their gratitude.

Shane and Demi McLaughlin from Carndonagh welcomed Penelope and Cece McLaughlin to the world on Christmas Eve. The twins were born at 31 weeks and were taken to Dublin to receive specialist care. The family were delighted to make it back to Donegal by Air Corps helicopter on Friday, flying to Letterkenny on Friday, January 2.

“The Air Corps are a great team and provided us with a great service, which we’re very thankful for,” Shane told DonegalLive.

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"A very special mission today for No. 3 Operations Wing," Irish Air Corps posted on Friday.

"Today, our AW139 crews carried out the first neonatal transfer of the year, bringing twin babies from Dublin to Letterkenny. Born prematurely at 31 weeks on Christmas Eve, the twins had been receiving specialist care in Dublin before returning home today.

"A neonatal medical team travelled to Casement Aerodrome, where they were met by Air Corps personnel who then flew both the team and the twins safely to Letterkenny.

"This mission highlights the continued support provided by the Irish Air Corps to the National Neonatal Transport Programme (NNTP), delivering time-critical and compassionate care when it’s needed most."