A judge in County Clare has just approved Ireland’s first guardianship application for a child to a gay couple. Judge Patrick Durcan’s order in Ennis court means the State legally recognises the couple and their daughter as a family.

Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Angela Cloke-Hayes, now an official guardian of the four-year- old girl, said afterwards:

It’s brilliant, fantastic – we have Champagne ready at home.

In July 2012, Angela’s civil partner, Marie Cloke-Hayes gave birth to their daughter following a pregnancy made possible from a sperm donor at Galway Fertility Clinic.

Service for same same-sex couples or single women

The doors to ReproMed Galway are open to all. We are delighted to have been a part of this historical ruling.

Judge Durcan underscored the importance of this ruling. “I want to compliment and congratulate everyone involved. This is the first application of this kind that has become before this court so that makes it a special one for me too. I wish the three of you all happiness.”