A Garda has been praised after helping to deliver a baby at its home in Kilkenny.

Detective Garda Shane Elliffe was carrying out a routine search of a property when he came upon a man, Andrea, in the area who was in need of help. Andrea explained that his wife, Nadia, was in labour and that he was looking for a taxi to bring her to the hospital. As she was already in labour, he decided to go to the house and help out with the birth. Little baby Ryan Shane was successfully delivered with the help of Garda Elliffe. He checked the baby's airway and managed to tie the umbilical cord. He also made sure Ryan was safe and warm while he waited with the family for the paramedics to arrive.

Kilkenny’s finest delivers. Well done Garda detective Shane Elliffe pic.twitter.com/RwW453pA78

— Marty Whelan (@martylyricfm) November 16, 2017

Speaking about the incident, Garda Elliffe told The Kilkenny People:

"There was a search taking place targeting criminal activity in the area when a man approached me looking for help. I went with the man to his home and met his wife who was on the stairs in their hall and in the process of giving birth."

Andrea and Nadia decided to pay tribute to Garda Elliffe by calling their baby after him. Andrea said:

“He was like an angel - I was a bit shocked and scared when I came back and Nadia was on the stairs and the baby was arriving. The garda helped with the delivery and looked after the baby. He got on the phone with the doctor while we were waiting for the ambulance and kept everything calm. He came to visit us in hospital on Saturday and we have decided to call our son, Ryan Shane after him. He deserves all the best - he is a great guy,”