In pictures: Leapling Hughie O’Donnell celebrates his 22nd birthday!

It is officially Leap Day 2024 and Hughie O’Donnell is celebrating his birthday. Please use the arrows to scroll through the gallery

Hughie’s birthday isn’t just any birthday though, as he is a leapling, born on February 29, 1936. So even though Hughie turns 88 today, he has only had 22 birthdays in his lifetime. 

“We had a conversation yesterday about his leap-year birthday and he considers himself 22, he jokes that he loves the fact we talk about it,” Supervisor at the Maghery Senior Social Club, Mary Rodgers said.

Hughie O'Donnell and his daughter Anne Hanlon 

Leaplings have the honour of having the rarest birthday - with February 29 only existing every four years. The other three years the decision has to be made whether to celebrate on February, 28 or March 1. 

“In the day centre, we celebrate his birthday the day before, so usually on February 28,” Mary Rodgers said.

The Dungloe native celebrated his birthday surrounded by friends at the Maghery Senior Social Club. Hughie’s friends John Browne, Eddie O’Donnell, Johnny McCole, John Boner and Charlie Trimble were all in attendance. They enjoyed cake, chats and Hughie’s favourite hobby, twenty-five cards. 

This year, marks a rare occurrence for Hughie, getting to celebrate his birthday on his actual birthday. The last time Hughie celebrated his real birthday was 2020.