Keelin groaned and doubled over as another spasm of pain engulfed her.

‘Oh Lordy! What do we need? They always say hot water and towels—’ Marie-Hélène looked panicked. She was the same age as Keelin, they had become good friends. ‘Lie down and we’ll time the contractions,’ she said, helping Keelin up from the chair. ‘Can you make it up to the bedroom?’

‘I’m scared, Marie-Hélène,’ Keelin confessed.

‘Nothing to be scared of, Keelin. Giving birth’s the most natural thing in the world,’ the young nun said confidently. ‘Maura, ring Doctor McCormack and tell him Keelin’s in labour and he needs to get over here,’ she instructed. Keelin felt a modicum of comfort at her friend’s authoritative instructions and the way she was taking charge.

Another contraction hit and she felt a wave of sweat break out across her forehead. If Brigid were here, she’d know what to do, and how far gone she was – she’d helped to deliver babies in Africa – but it would be two hours before she got to Butlersbridge from Limerick, Keelin thought, trying not to panic.

‘Doctor McCormack is out on a call. Mrs McCormack said she’ll give him the message as soon as he gets back.’ Maura hurried up the stairs after them. ‘Why don’t I go and get Katie Wickham? Everyone calls on Katie to come when there’s a birth or death in the village,’ she suggested.

‘Great idea,’ approved Marie-Hélène. ‘Get her now, Maura.’

‘Sure,’ Maura agreed, clattering down the stairs at speed.

‘You’ll be grand, Keelin. We’d better get your drawers off ya, in case the baby surprises us,’ Marie-Hélène grinned. And in spite of her labour pains, Keelin laughed at the irrepressible nun.

Two hours later, after a fast and intense labour, Marie-Claire Durand shot into the world in an almighty hurry. Katie Wickham and Doctor McCormack, Una and Marie-Hélène were there, urging Keelin on, while Maura supplied the hot water and, when required, hot sweet tea.

‘Now child, here’s your daughter, and she has a fine pair of lungs on her, and she’s a grand size even if she’s early,’ Katie smiled at Keelin, placing the baby in her arms, having wiped her off after the doctor had cut the umbilical cord.

‘Oh, look at her! Look at the head of hair on her! Oh, she’s beautiful!’ Keelin gazed in awe at her daughter.

‘Just like her mama,’ Marie-Hélène smiled, kissing the top of Keelin’s head. ‘You did great.’

‘Thank you so much for helping me, Marie-Hélène, thank you, everyone,’ Keelin said with heartfelt gratitude, stroking her baby’s soft cheek.