Special celebrations as little leapling Éabha turns ‘one’

BIRTHDAYS are made special for innumerable reasons – the celebration, cakes and gifts – but they are even more special when they only roll around once every four years!

Today (Thursday, February 29), Castlederg four-year-old, Éabha Haughey, daughter of Peter and Eadaoin, will celebrate her first official birthday since she was born.

Although she was due on February 26, 2020, Éabha arrived at 9.14pm on February 29 in an Essex hospital, which makes her a leapling – a person born on ‘leap day’.

Speaking to the UH, Éabha’s mum, Eadaoin, recalled her reaction to Éabha’s unique birthday.

“To be honest, I did say in the lead-up to her birth that I hope it’s not on the ‘leap day’, as she would only get a birthday every four years, but when she was born and we saw her for the first time, I just thought it made her all the more special,” she said.

Eadaoin shared Éabha’s rudimentary, but heart-warming, understanding of what it means to be born a leapling.

“Éabha, when questioned about her birthday, will tell others that she was born on a leap year and that she is a little leapling frog, but doesn’t quite understand yet that it only happens every four years,” stated Eadaoin.

For Éabha’s parents, they are excited to finally celebrate their daughter’s official birthday for the first time since she was born – with a surprise birthday trip planned for the birthday girl.

Eadaoin reflects, “It’s great this year to celebrate on Éabha’s official day of birth, and to reflect on how special our little leapling is to us.

“She has added so much joy and sunshine to our life, and is a real little character.

“We look forward to spending time with Éabha and the rest of the family,” concluded Eadaoin.