This Mullingar boy is a 21st Century Child

In 2007, RTÉ television embarked on a unique experiment when they began to document the lives of a group of Irish children and their families from all over the country and all walks of life - including John Glennon from Mullingar.

When we first met the Glennon family, there were seven children – that is till our 21st Century Child, John, made an appearance. Down on the farm in Mullingar, life remained the same, despite John’s presence. Teacher Helen and farmer Matthew remained undaunted by the new arrival and for the rest of the children, while baby John was an initial distraction, he was soon absorbed into their daily routine.

When we first visit the family in series two, life is pretty much unchanged. Or is it? By the end of the series, it appears that the Glennons have some major news to reveal, which no one saw coming!

Now in Series 4 they have 10 children! John, like all his brothers and sisters will attend the local school where Helen still works as a teacher.

Presented by psychologist David Coleman, the show follows the children as they grow up in a Post Celtic Tiger Ireland, a time of austerity and economic uncertainty – their lives have helped tell the story of the modern Irish family and the issues they face.

• It is due for broadcast today, Thursday February 6, at 10.15pm on RTÉ One.