Fatherhood over 50: ‘I may be older than other dads at the school gate but love has no age limit’

As Father’s Day approaches, two men who became parents after 50 share the ­surprises, challenges and benefits of becoming a dad later in life

Chris Primo with his wife Anne Marie and children Cara and Mark at home in Co Clare. Photo: Eamon Ward

Arlene Harris

This Sunday, June 16, is Father’s Day when dads all over the country can enjoy being spoilt by their kids.

But while Central Statistics Office figures show the vast majority of new fathers in Ireland are in their 30s with almost 17pc in their 40s, the number of men welcoming their first child over the age of 50 doesn’t even reach three figures each year.