Carrick-on-Suir couple inundated with congratulations messages after Leap Year marriage proposal

Carrick-on-Suir woman Louise McGrath surprised her partner John Finn on Leap Year day with a marriage proposal in front of their two sons at their new home.

The couple have been inundated with messages of congratulations from family, friends and acquaintances far and wide since news of Louise’s successful proposal broke last Thursday night.

February 29 that falls only once every four years is traditionally the day when women take the initiative and propose to their beau. And Louise didn’t waste the opportunity.

The couple will be together 16 years in July and moved into their new home in Carrick-on-Suir with their sons Alfie, aged 9 and Harri, aged 7, in December.

Friends and family had been teasing the couple about when they would tie the knot for some time so Louise decided to take matters into her own hands last Thursday.

The Carrickbeg native says she only decided on her way home from work in Clonmel to ask John to marry her.

“I said it was now or never,” she recalls.

She rang John’s father beforehand to inform him of her plan and popped the question to John after he arrived home from work at Suirside Construction in Waterford.

Their sons played a central role in the big moment. Alfie videoed the proposal and Harri gave his mam the ring.
Louise recalls John didn’t really believe she was serious until he saw the ring.

She says John from Garrynarea, Carrick is a very laid back guy and his reply to her proposal, “Oh go on sure”, was typically so.

The couple’s families are delighted at their happy news.

Louise and John celebrated their engagement with a meal out and drinks with their loved ones and friends in Carrick-on-Suir last weekend.

Louise says they will settle on a date for their wedding over the next few weeks and jokes it won’t be another 16 years before they walk down the aisle.