A DUBLIN woman made it a Leap Day to remember in Ireland after popping the question to her beloved partner of six years on live television.
Maria Kelly and partner Bryan Geraghty already have three children named Cassia, Olivia and Layla as well a house together.
Until now though, they had held off tying the knot.
However, with 2020 being a Leap Year, Maria decided to take advantage of an old Irish tradition.
The legend goes that St Patrick and fellow Irish patron saint St Brigid decreed that February 29, otherwise known as ‘Leap Day’, would stand as the one day of the year when a woman could propose to a man.
Created at a time when the idea of a woman popping the question was almost unheard of, while research suggests most women view the concept as outdated, Maria decided to use it to her advantage to show Bryan just how much he means to her.
Enlisting the help of Virgin Media TV’s Ireland AM, she set about planning the most unforgettable of proposals.
The plan went off without a hitch – no pun intended.
It began with Ireland AM presenter Laura Woods surprising Bryan in the family home, where he was told that Maria had won a competition on the show.
Bryan was then led into the living room where, to his evident surprise, he found Maria waiting for him down on one knee.
The Irish have always had a particular way with words and, in this instance, Maria did not disappoint.
"You've captivated me from day one. You interested me with your poker face and from day one you've excited me," she began
"We've shared memories, we've shared trips, we've even had children and we've made a beautiful home.
"And I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
"Will you do the honour of being my husband?"
Brian wasted little time in replying with a resounding “absolutely”.
Moments later he admitted he was “shaking” following the surprise proposal.
It turned out he wasn’t the only one left feeling a little emotional by it all though.
Cutting back to the Ireland AM studio, hosts Simon Delaney, Anna Daly and Aidan Power all admitted to having a tear in the eye as they watched on.
It’s fair to say there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
