Irish woman Rosemary Nolan and her Australian partner Melissa Keevers beat the odds in 2011 giving birth to quintuplets without the use of In vitro fertilisation (IVF). However, two years on the couple have split saying juggling motherhood and careers had become too much.

Nolan, originally from County Waterford, met Keevers when she was backpacking in Australia in 2008. They decided to start a family in Brisbane. As well as the quintuplets (Noah, Charlie, Eireann, Evie and Abby), who are two years old, the couple also have a three-year-old daughter, named Lily.

The couple were featured in the press around the globe after Keevers became pregnant with quintuplets without the use of IVF. They beat 60 million to one odds.

They announced that their split was due to the stress of bringing up their instant family. Nolan said, as the breadwinner, she did not feel she could be there enough for Keevers and their children.

Nolan has been involved in intensive training to become a police officer in Brisbane. She told Woman’s Day, “We both gave 120 per cent, but as my training intensified, it put us under strain.

“It was extremely difficult. We never realised how tough it would be.”

Nolan now takes on part-time duties as parent. She said, “At the forefront of my mind was the children and not exposing them to an unhappy relationship.”

Keevers has taken on the role as full time parent. Nolan said, “Mel did a wonderful job with the children, but I couldn't be there for her towards the end of my training. It's hard.

“I made a decision to take some time out. Admittedly, I thought with some time we could come together again. But, sadly, that opportunity was lost.

“I have no regrets. I love them all and will always be there for them.”

Nolan is not legally recognized as a parent of the children and will not be allowed to adopt the children.