Football-obsessed dad watches match on phone while wife is in labour because he was 'bored'

A dad watched a football match on his phone while his wife was in labour - because he was "bored". Brendan Mc Laughlin, 30, started watching a match while Sevenagh McLaughlin, 29, was 10 hours into her 30-hour labour. Football obsessed Brendan, who supports Manchester United, was said to be "bored" and the pair both watched some of a match while Sevenagh had some relief. She said as soon as she needed his support the phone went off and he was a "brilliant help".

The couple welcomed their second son on December, 10 2023 at 2.29pm, weighing 6lbs 7oz. Sevenagh, a visual merchandiser, from Culdaff, Ireland, said: "My labour was so long. We were both bored. He put on something to watch. It wasn't even a big game. You have to pass the time some way. He wasn't watching it for very long. He had to make a choice."

The couple have been together for 10 years and Sevenagh says football has always been a massive part of Brendan's life. She said: "Since he was a child he's been mad about football. He's a massive fan."

Before the birth of their second son, Brendan played semi professionally so Sevenagh is very used to football being prioritised. She said: "I'm used to it. It's never bothered me. It's nice to have such an interest in something."

Sevenagh said her eldest son, two, is also becoming football obsessed. She said: "He's drilled it into his son. He's really good at kicking a football for a two year old."

Her husband is such a big football fan that he couldn't help watching a game while Sevenagh was in labour at Letterkenny University Hospital. The mum shared the video on TikTok but was surprised at how supportive the comments were to her husband.

She said: "They all agreed with him." One commenter said: "I’ve told my partner to charge his as I can’t deal with the moaning if he misses a game." Another said: "Perfectly fine, with the things he loves. I would be at the game."

Sevenagh said they were both delighted to welcome another boy. She said: "He was a brilliant help. He's making a little football team."