A day the parents of Siamese twins feared might never arrive dawns today, when the sisters begin national school.
Aoife and Niamh McDonnell (4) have been enrolled at Scoil Raifteiri, the gaeilscoil in Castlebar, Co Mayo. Joined at the chest, they shared a liver and heart membrane when they were born on April 6th, 1997 at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester. At 11 weeks, they were separated at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London.
Their parents, Ms Joan Varley and Mr Paul McDonnell, have since moved to Mayo after 10 years in Manchester.
Both have spoken to a British Sunday newspaper about their relief that the twins are starting school like any normal children. The couple had been told by Prof Lewis Spitz, who led the surgical team which separated the infants, that they could lose one or both of their children in the effort to save their lives.
The principal of Scoil Rafteiri, Maire Treasa Ui Dhalaigh, confirmed yesterday that Aoife and Niamh would be starting school this morning.
"We are delighted that the twins are joining us," Ms Ui Dhalaigh said. "They are two very special girls and I am sure they will fit in very well in our infant classroom."