Johnny ‘Smacks’ McMahon of The 2 Johnnies has paid tribute to his ‘absolutely heroic’ wife Annie as he revealed their first child was born several weeks ago with a foetal abnormality.
McMahon shared the news on stage at the 3Arena last night alongside his podcast partner and best friend, ‘Johnny B’ O’Brien.
He had previously told listeners he and his wife were expecting a baby but a lack of further updates had left fans wondering whether the child had been born safely.
Johnny ‘Smacks’ McMahon of The 2 Johnnies has paid tribute to his ‘absolutely heroic’ wife Annie as he revealed their first child was born several weeks ago with a foetal abnormality.
And last night he revealed the news that he and Annie have welcomed a baby boy, JJ.
His first child has been in the care of Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) in Crumlin since his birth, as he was diagnosed with gastroschisis – a birth defect where a hole forms in the abdominal wall, causing the intestines to protrude outside the body.
McMahon said he was ‘delighted’ to share the ‘incredibly special news’.
McMahon shared the news on stage at the 3Arena last night alongside his podcast partner and best friend, ‘Johnny B’ O’Brien.
‘A few weeks ago, Annie and I welcomed our little boy, JJ, into the world, and I’m officially a dad,’ he said in a statement provided to Extra.ie.
‘It’s been a whirlwind, but the best kind.’ ‘Smacks’, who is from Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, and now lives in nearby Cahir, said the couple ‘knew there would be complications’ from early in the pregnancy.
He said: ‘[JJ] needed a couple of operations straight away, and he’ll be in hospital for a while, but he’s already shown unbelievable fight. I’m happy to say he’s doing well and getting stronger every day.’
He had previously told listeners he and his wife were expecting a baby but a lack of further updates had left fans wondering whether the child had been born safely.
The 2 Johnnies also announced yesterday they will put on an all ages show in the 3Arena in aid of CHI in April.
McMahon said: ‘The care, support, and kindness [CHI staff] have shown us has been outstanding, and we’ll never be able to thank them enough.
‘Most of all, I want to say how proud I am of Annie. She’s been incredible throughout everything – strong, calm, and absolutely heroic. JJ is lucky to have her as his mam. For now, we’re just taking it all in, celebrating our little man and looking forward to bringing him home when he’s ready.’
The duo will discuss JJ’s diagnosis in full in tomorrow’s new episode of The 2 Johnnies Podcast. McMahon will also share more about the fertility journey he and Annie were on ahead of the baby’s arrival.
Johnny B said he was ‘over the moon for Smacks and Annie, and that they will be great parents’.
He added: ‘They’ve been unreal the last few months. That child is gonna have the best runners in Ireland.’
The former 2FM hosts were on stage last night for a country-themed Christmas show. They have had sold out Christmas parties at the 3Arena for the last three years.
McMahon married Annie in December 2022 in his native county, before heading to a reception in Hotel Kilkenny. O’Brien served as best man, while 2FM presenters Tracy Clifford and Emma Power were among the guests.
Tickets for The 2 Johnnies and the Junior B All Stars at the 3 Arena on Monday, April 6, 2026 are on sale next Thursday.
