Suckler and sheep farmer John Dolan from Banagher, Co. Offaly has announced that local celebrity Concepta, his "record-breaking" laying Pomeranian goose, has welcomed her first clutch of 2026.

Concepta's fame comes from her recorded ability of laying and hatching multiple times throughout the year, since 2024.

Dolan revealed that earlier this month, Concepta welcomed her first clutch of 2026 into the world - four goslings.

"She is doing what she does best, laying and hatching out goslings," Dolan told Agriland.

Dolan first bought her from Mackie Brennan in Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary as a Christmas present for his daughter, saving Concepta from slaughter.

What Dolan did not know then was the miracle the goose had in store for him on his farm.

Concepta's first claim to fame came back in 2024 when she laid and hatched three times in the year: 13 goslings during April 2024; two goslings in September; and one on New Year's Day 2025.

According to Teagasc, while in many other areas of poultry, the use of artificial heating and lighting has led to year-round production, geese are generally hatched from February to June.

Out of season, the eggs are not fertile, yet Concepta still manages to find a way, Dolan said.

In 2025, she hatched seven goslings on May 19, laid 10 eggs in September, and on November 24 she laid the now four hatched goslings of 2026.

Her 'husband' George, stands by her side as her protector and looks after her and the goslings at all times, never letting them leave his sight, according to Dolan.

One of Concepta's daughters, Lucky - named after her lucky survival when she was found with the ewes and put under a heat lamb by Dolan - is now next in line, expecting to hatch out her own clutch of goslings on January 29.

Dolan is hoping that Concepta's 'record-breaking' laying genes will carry over to her daughter Lucky, and that she will also keep confounding expectations herself in 2026.