TURN AROUND! Limerick hurler William O’Donoghue pops the question in endearing festive proposal

CHRISTMAS has come early for star Limerick hurler William O'Donoghue who, while putting up the Christmas tree, popped the question to his girlfriend, artist Gemma Cowen.

And she said ‘yes!’

Gemma, who is a daughter of Fianna Fail MEP Barry Cowen, and is a niece of former Taoiseach Brian Cowen, shared the good news on her Instagram account this Saturday morning. 

“I now understand his panic about getting our tree up in the middle of November,” posted the artist followed by a white heart emoji and a ring emoji, before signing off with “To Forever”.

SEE MORE: PICTURES: Limerick hurlers celebrate their Munster Championship victory with family and friends

The post also features a short video of the lead up to the big question, showing both Gemma and William, dressed in tracksuits decorating their tree with ribbons, before William directs the Offaly girl to a post on the far side of the tree which reads “Turn around”.

When she does so, a barefooted William is down on one knee holding a small box with an engagement ring. 

Hugs and kisses follow before the Na Piarsaigh clubman scoops his fiancee into the air for a lingering embrace. 

The couple, who share a new home together, have been dating for a number of years.

William has a Master's in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology while Gemma specialises in Fine Art having studied at Limerick School of Art and Design, where she specialised in Painting. After a couple of years in the corporate world, she decided to return to her creative self. 

Well wishes have been pouring in from the wives and girlfriends of the Limerick hurlers.

Elaine Kennedy who is engaged to Diarmaid Byrnes posted: “Oh my god, huge congrats guys.”

Louise Cantillon, wife of Limerick hurling captain, Declan Hannon, penned: Ahh, comhghairdeas lovers x"