WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Proud Westdad Shane tells of his joy with new baby son

EOIN MURPHY - Showbiz Editor

WESTDAD Shane Filan has left five-star hotels and VIP nightclubs for dirty nappies and midnight feeds - but the singer couldn't be happier.

The doting dad is at home in Sligo with his healthy newborn son Patrick watching the baby's first Ryder Cup.

And speaking from his home, Shane beamed: "It really is amazing. I feel so lucky at the moment. Patrick is a beautiful baby boy.

"We have always wanted a girl and a boy and, to be honest, I'll do whatever it takes for the little man.

"I've changed a nappy before talking to you and I'll change as many as it takes.

"He is a great baby though, and is sleeping really well.

"But Nicole was a lot like that too so we feel like the luckiest parents in the world and I am such a proud dad."

Shane (29) married his childhood sweetheart Gillian Walsh on December 28, 2003 at Ballintubber Abbey.

Three years ago Gillian (29) gave birth to their first child, a daughter, Nicole Rose at Sligo General Hospital.

Born

Patrick was born last Monday weighing 6lbs 8oz in Sligo General Hospital after three and a half hours of labour, Shane said.

"The labour was quite quick, which was great for Gillian. It is an amazing experience, for me to be part of it and for Gill," he said.

"When Nicole was born there was a C-section and this time round Gillian was anxious to experience the birth.

"We have always dreamed of having a boy and a girl and now we have the set.

"The next baby can be a bit of a lucky dip for us but at the moment we have the perfect family.

"It is great to have another man in the house.

"We have two dogs and they are both female so that was four women at home. Now myself and Patrick can even up the numbers a bit."

Shane likes to play gold in his spare time, but loves horses more.

He and his family own more that 70, and used to compete at horse tournaments between tours.

Westlife are currently on a year break after 10 years on the road - a break that couldn't have come at a better time for the singer.

Shane said: "It's great to be able to spend that time at home with my new baby and not having to pack a bag and rush off to catch a flight.

"We have had a great ten years with the band and in a way that has afforded me the time of to be with my baby.

"So I have about 10 months to do the stay-at-home daddy role and take care of my boy and girls."

Shane is a home bird who loves spending time at his country pile.

And he took time to respect another great Irish tradition - wetting the baby's head.

Shane laughed: "I did wet the baby's head with Gillian's dad.

"There is a very famous pub at home called Shoot the Crows and it has the best pint of Guinness in Ireland. So we went there for a few to celebrate and it was great.

"I hadn't had a drink in about a month but it was an occasion.

"In fact, I'm becoming quite the Irish father and have moved away from the spirits and have started drinking pints of Guinness."

Family

Well wishes and cards have been flooding in for the happy family.

Nicky and Kian are away on holidays at the moment but Mark has called in to see the latest addition to the Westlife family, while the band's website has been inundated with posts and messages from the hordes of fans.

When he is not being the world's greatest dad, Shane still has one eye on his career.

Westlife have had 14 UK number ones and six No.1 albums in the UK, and sold 40 million records.

And when the time is right he hopes the fab four can come back to the top with a bang and their 15th No.1.

He said: "The other great thing is I have a whole new decade to look forward to with Westlife.

"We are going to go back in the studio in 10 months' time to record an album of completely new songs.

"We want to start off this new era with the best song we have ever produced and that will take a lot of work.

"So it means I am enjoying this incredible family time all the more."

Credit/Source: Irish Star / Thanks Lucy for the scans



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