'We're coming home,' Johnny Smacks issues heartwarming statement to The 2 Johnnies fans

Johnny Smacks of The 2 Johnnies has shared a touching update on his newborn son J.J "after a few long months".

In a post on Friday night, Johnny Smacks said: "We’re coming home, thanks to ye all for all yer lovely messages, kind words and prayers for little J.J.

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"After a long few months we’re delighted to get him home to Tipperary, it wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for all the incredible surgeons, doctors, nurses and staff in @childrenshealthirl, we can’t thank them enough.

"We’re gonna try and show our thanks and will be doing some fundraising for @childrens_health_foundation in the next few months and are looking forward to our @3arenadublin show in aid of them.

"But for now, we’re all doing well and myself and Annie are looking forward to the madness that is raising a child. The Podcasts should be fairly entertaining for the next while.

"Right there’s nappies to be changed, thanks again, Smacks x."

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J.J was born in mid December 2025 with a rare congenital condition and has been receiving specialist care at Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin, Dublin, since birth.

He was diagnosed before delivery with gastroschisis, a condition in which parts of the intestines develop outside the body and which typically requires multiple surgical procedures in the early days of life.

Speaking in January, Johnny Smacks acknowledged the scale of public support the family has received after going public with a shock baby announcement at their sold-out 3 Arena gig in December in Dublin.

Roscrea's Johnny "Smacks" McMahon of The 2 Johnnies paid tribute to his "absolutely heroic" wife Annie as he revealed their first child was born several weeks ago. 

Johnny Smacks revealed how he and his wife, Annie, were told early in the pregnancy that J.J would be affected by gastroschisis, a condition that leaves organs ­outside of the body.

Smacks, 34, said: "I'm delighted to share some incredibly special news.

"A few weeks ago, Annie and I welcomed our little boy, J.J, into the world, and I'm officially a dad.

"It's been a whirlwind, but the best kind. From early in the ­pregnancy, we knew there would be complications, and when JJ was born he was diagnosed with gastroschisis.

"He needed a couple of ops straight away, and he will be in hospital for a while yet, but he’s already shown unbelievable fight. I'm happy to say he’s doing well, getting stronger every day."

Gastroschisis, which affects about one in every 5,000 babies, is a condition where the intestines protrude through a hole in the abdominal wall, near the belly button, because the tummy ­muscles didn’t fully form.

Speaking on The 2 Johnnies podcast earlier this year, he said: “First off I just want to say I can’t thank people enough for all the messages people have been sending.”

He went on to describe the goodwill directed towards his son with characteristic humour. “He’s been the most prayed for child, there is a good chance his first steps will be on water."

He was also keen to recognise the role of medical professionals who have cared for J.J throughout his treatment, expressing his thanks to all the health care staff at Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin, Dublin.

The most encouraging development came with confirmation that J.J has now undergone his final surgical procedure. “He has had his fifth and final operation last week.”

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That operation marked a turning point in his recovery, paving the way for further progress.

Johnny Smacks explained that J.J has also reached a major developmental milestone, one that parents of newborns might otherwise take for granted.

J.J had his first bowel movement, a moment he described as hugely significant for both himself and his partner Annie McMahon.

Recounting the scene in the hospital, Johnny spoke about the sense of relief and celebration shared with nursing staff when the milestone was confirmed. “I felt like doing a Robbie Keane (celebration) down the corridor”.