Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh announces birth of first child

Fine Gael politician Maria Walsh has announced the birth of her first child, a baby girl named Nell Brigid Walsh. The Irish Examiner, the Irish Times, and thejournal.ie reported that the Midlands-North-West MEP shared the news in a post on Instagram. She posted a photograph of herself with her newborn daughter, alongside another photograph showing her parents holding a baby carrier. [1][2][3]

The Irish Examiner, the Irish Times, thejournal.ie, and Shannonside.ie reported that Ms Walsh conceived her daughter through IVF and fertility treatment. In her online announcement, Ms Walsh wrote that her baby was loved beyond words, calling her a bright shining light and a force of nature. According to the Irish Times, she added that the middle name recognises St Brigid, and she thanked her family along with the staff at University Hospital Galway. [1][2][3][7]

Ms Walsh has served as a Member of the European Parliament for Ireland in the Midlands-North-West constituency since July 2019, representing Fine Gael as part of the European People's Party. She won re-election for a second five-year term in June 2024. Outside of her political career, she is known for winning the Rose of Tralee pageant in 2014. [2][8]