Kilmacrennan's Nessa Irwin went from hating to loving her Leap Day birthday

Nessa Irwin, who admits she was too embarrassed as a child to admit to people she was born on a leap year, is enjoying a “special day” on her birthday today.

A second-year occupational student at ATU Donegal these days, today is officially her fifth birthday.

Nessa admits her secret only got out when she was at Scoil Cholmcille in Kilmacreann and was unfortunate enough to be “dosed” on her birthday and a card was arranged by her teacher from her classmates.

“When I was young I hated it,” Nessa tells DonegallLive of being born on February 29. “But when I was in second class everyone sent me a card when I was sick. It was very nice of them and now I like the leap year birthday. It’s extra special. Like I’ll be 21 next year but to be honest I’m happier today. It’s a special day.

"Everyone feels they have to make it up to you as it only falls once every four years and my family, who are all about the place, always make a great effort so I'm very thankful.”

Nessa is the daughter of Nessa Louise McKee and Ivan Irwin and is less than two years younger than her brother Rhys, an accomplished motorbike racer. This evening she is with her family at home at Keenaghan, Kilmacrenan, with plans in place for the weekend with her friends.

When she came into this world, her parents - like the others who welcomed the 52 leap year babies in the country that day in 2004 - received a letter with a once-off gift of €100 from the Government.

One thing Nessa says she won’t be getting involved in is another facet of the leap year, when, on ‘Bachelor's Day’ or ‘Ladies' Privilege’ it is an Irish tradition by which women are allowed to propose to men.

“No, I’ve no need for that,” she laughs. “But I do have a friend who might’ve been running for the hills today!”