Beautiful bundle of joy for Longford couple after pain of three miscarriages

Damien and Ciara Quinn, who live in Kenagh, met in 2007 and they were joined in matrimony seven years later at a lovely ceremony in Newcastle House, Ballymahon.

The newlyweds wanted to begin their family journey right away and they were excitedly looking forward to it. However, the journey proved far more arduous and painful than they had anticipated.

Daughter of Mickey and Philomena Hoey, Ciara, who is originally from Cloonmore, Tarmonbarry, explained, “I had three miscarriages. The first one was in August 2014 at four weeks, the second one was in December 2014 at six weeks and the third one was in May 2016 at eight weeks.”

The third miscarriage was extremely difficult.

“With the last one, Damien and I got to see the heartbeat and we were so hopeful that everything would be okay,” outlined Cara, who attended national school in Whitehall before progressing to Meán Scoil Mhuire in Longford town.

Ciara added, “When I went for a scan the following week the baby's heartbeat was really low. The doctor came in and told us that the baby hadn't grown in the week and the heartbeat was so low that it wasn't looking good. My bloods had gone up though, so myself and Damien were hoping and praying all week that the little one would live, but it wasn't meant to be. The following week our hearts were broken into pieces when we were told once again ‘I'm so sorry but there's no heartbeat’.”

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Ciara, who volunteered with Enable Ireland's Longford shop for a year and is now working with Home Support Longford as a clerical officer, confided, “The pain of losing them was unreal, it hurt so bad.”

She revealed, “We never got to find out if we were going to have a little boy or girl. I had friends having babies and even though I was so so happy for them, inside my heart was breaking for myself wondering why I lost my babies and as time went on wondering if I'd ever have my own baby. It was really hard.”

Despite the pain they had suffered, Ciara and Damien kept the faith and persevered with their baby journey.

In October 2016, Ciara was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. “The HBA1C levels in my blood were so high, the doctors said that it was more than likely the reason that I miscarried.”

In March 2017, when her diabetes was under control, Ciara was told that she and Damien could start trying for a baby again.
She said months and years went by and nothing was happening. “Both myself and Damien had numerous appointments in Mullingar hospital and Dublin’s Rotunda hospital and we couldn't get any answers on why nothing was happening.

“We were just discussing if we should consider looking into IVF at the beginning of March last year and incredibly, the following week, on March 9, 2022, I found out that I was pregnant again. Every appointment and scan went really well and on November 7, our beautiful baby girl Abigail Rose was born. She's absolutely perfect and we couldn't be happier.”

Damien, son of Pat and Sandra Quinn, and who is originally from Abbeyderg just outside Kenagh village, spoke of the joy and relief. “We wanted to start a family after we got married and were looking forward to it. It took us a long time and a lot of heartbreak but eventually we were rewarded with our beautiful baby, Abigail Rose.”

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Ciara and Damien deserve enormous admiration for speaking so openly about their experience, but Ciara pointed out that this wasn’t always the case.

“We didn't talk about the miscarriages. Only our families and some of our close friends knew about them. I just didn't want to talk about it and I'm not sure why as I know thousands of women have had miscarriages and many have had a lot more than me. It's only since Abigail Rose was born that I've been more open about it.”

A former student of Mercy Ballymahon, Damien has been involved with the music business for years and he outlined that he and Ciara are organising the Simon Casey Songs of Inspiration concert in St Dominic’s Church, Kenagh on Thursday, March 9 to raise funds for The Miscarriage Association of Ireland and to raise awareness of the charity.

“We also hope that by doing this, we will make people aware that help and support is out there for couples that have been through the pain of miscarriage,” said Damien.

Ciara says she has been a fan of Offaly singer Simon Casey since he appeared on You're A Star back in 2003.

“He has such a fantastic voice. Myself and Damien went to see him in Ballymore church a few years ago when he put on a concert there and it was absolutely brilliant. It was after that that we decided we would like to organise a similar concert for The Miscarriage Association of Ireland.”

Ciara concluded, “Simon's Songs of Inspiration concert is a musical experience not to be missed with one song more haunting than the other. You will get goosebumps all over. You can buy tickets to the show online, local outlets or from Damien on 085 283 3938.”

For information on The Miscarriage Association of Ireland see miscarriage.ie. Their Helpline is 087 1942609 (10am - 12pm) and 086 868 4103 (8pm-10pm) and you can also contact them via email on info@miscarriage.ie

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Songs of Inspiration in St Dominic’s Church, Kenagh

Damien and Ciara Quinn are busy finalising preparations for Simon Casey’s Songs of Inspiration concert in St Dominic’s Church, Kenagh on Thursday, March 9 at 8pm, featuring Danny Sheerin and Musical Director Ray McLoughin. Ciara' s younger brother Peter Hoey will also be performing on the night.

Tickets for the concert are €20 and all funds raised will go to The Miscarriage Association of Ireland.

Tickets are available online at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/songsofinspiration  and from O’Boyle’s, Kenagh; Egan’s, Terlicken; Nearby (Farnagh stores); Mac’s Shack, Kenagh and 2 Mugs coffee trailer, who will also be selling coffees and refreshments at the concert.

There will be a raffle and tickets will also be available on the door on the night or can be reserved by calling Damien on 085 283 3983