Leap Day Love: Irish woman's heartwarming secret proposal stuns partner of 14 years

A Graiguecullen woman took full advantage of the Leap Day by surprising her partner of 14 years with a big question.

Heather Grogan, from Graiguecullen, schemed with her father Marc for three weeks before she dropped down to one knee and popped the question to her now fiancé Diarmuid Long from Kilteely, Co Wexford. 

Following a 5th-century complaint by St Brigid that it takes men too long to make honest women of their sweethearts, St Patrick decreed that leap day would see the gender roles reversed, and women would be permitted to propose to men. 

And so on the night of February 29, Heather, with the aid of her Dad and close pals, took the plunge and set the scene for a tale that will be repeated for many years to come. 

Heather’s plan kicked into action on Thursday night as Diarmuid made his way home from a long day’s work in New Ross. Heather phoned stating that her Dad needed a hand moving a large delivery into his house and so Diarmuid collected her and off they went.

When they arrived, there was no large delivery outside the house. Primed for his role after weeks of scheming, Marc called Diarmuid into the utility room to help him with the box and to distract him long enough for Heather to sneak seven of their closest friends into the dining room. 

PHOTO: Marc Grogan, Eugena Doyle, Conan Doyle, Logan McMillen, Eddie Hennessey, Mary Kelly, Tom Baker & Aisling Kelly hiding before the proposal.

Each carried a candle and positioned themselves behind a nervous Heather as she switched off the lights, turned on the music and called for Diarmuid to come out. 

Marc stood proudly behind a totally shocked Diarmuid as Heather spoke briefly of their 14-year relationship and how happy they made each other. 

The big moment came when Heather dropped to one knee and held out the ring.

“Diarmuid Long, I love you more than words can describe. Will you marry me?”

Diarmuid, shocked but delighted, accepted the ring and happily agreed to an emotional round of applause from their special guests. The champagne was broken out and their good fortune cheered to before the group headed to the Irishman’s Bar in Carlow town for a small celebration - the very venue where Heather and Diarmuid had first started courting. 

The next evening, Heather and Diarmuid called his mother Mary on the phone and Heather duly asked for her approval of their engagement, which she gladly gave.

“In the interests of absolute secrecy, our friends were only notified two days before the big night. They dropped everything to be there and I honestly cannot thank them enough,” Heather said.

“Dad was an absolute champ, dealing with my nerves, letting us use his house, hiding our friends, and distracting Diarmuid. 

“I’m just so thrilled I could show Diarmuid how much he means to me,” Heather stated. 

Speaking of his reaction to the surprise question, Diarmuid said: “At first I thought it was a belated birthday party because I had mine on the 23rd. But then Heather started speaking…I hadn’t even thought about it being the 29th. I honestly didn’t see it coming and still can’t believe it!”

Their big moment was made all the more special with a photo of Heather’s dearly departed mother, Marianne Meunier-Grogan, and a photo of Diarmuid’s sadly departed father, Henry Long. Both images represented the meaningful presence of their spirits as witnesses to the special occasion.

Heather and Diarmuid are part of the creative team behind local production company SUNFA Films. 

They’re looking forward to shopping locally for a ‘proper ring’ and finding a new home to start their next big adventure together.

Congratulations to Heather and Diarmuid!