Ireland rugby star Amee-Leigh Costigan has announced that she’s become a mother.
The Munster and Ireland winger announced that she and her husband Neil were expecting their first child earlier this year, with the pair revealing that they were having twins.
Taking to her Instagram on Friday (July 17), Amee-Leigh announced that twins Oakleigh and Avery came into the world on July 9 — the same day as Amee-Leigh’s sister Kelsie.
Despite the great news of the twins’ arrival, Amee-Leigh said that they have been unable to bring the girls home just yet, due to some complications with herself and Oakleigh.
However, she added that things are looking up, writing: ‘Our journey in the maternity is not quite over yet as myself and Oakleigh are still navigating some challenges but we’re in the right place with the very best care!’
Amee-Leigh’s teammates were delighted at the news, with Aoibheann Reilly commenting: ‘Two beautiful girls and parents! We love you guys.’
‘Congratulations Amee-Leigh and Neil!’ the IRFU added, while Dublin LGFA star Hannah Tyrell added: ‘Congrats Leigh! They are gorgeous! hope you all are doing well!’
Amee-Leigh admitted that she was having a difficult pregnancy around 29 weeks, when concerns were raised around the babies’ blood supply.
‘Everything was going as planned until 29 weeks, when concerns started to arise around the babies’ blood supply,’ Amee-Leigh wrote. ‘Since then, we’ve had our fair share of hospital visits, with some days looking positive and others bringing a little more uncertainty.’
‘I was then admitted fully just after 30 weeks. The fluctuations in blood flow have raised some other concerns that over this time meant we’ve needed very close monitoring. Checks every 4 hours and scans that were every second day moving to everyday!’
Amee-Leigh thanked her friends and her family, and commended her husband on his support ahead of the girls’ arrival.
‘To our family and friends, thank you for being such an incredible support throughout this journey. We are so lucky to have such amazing people around us, patiently waiting to meet our twins!’ she wrote at the time.
‘And to my husband, Neil — you’ve been my rock through it all. Not once missing a visit, all while getting our new home ready! Your strength, love, humour and daily house updates has carried me through the toughest days, and I couldn’t be more grateful for you.
‘Every extra day is a gift, and we’re feeling incredibly grateful, hopeful, and proud of how far we’ve come. Stay cozy twins, we can’t wait to meet ye when the time is right.’
