The man purchased the winning Lotto Plus 1 ticket in Tesco at the Market Green Shopping Centre in Midleton on November 1.
“I always buy my ticket the day before the draw, and on this particular day, I was doing the school run – nothing out of the ordinary,” he said.
It wasn’t until he read in his local newspaper that someone from the area had won but was yet to claim their prize that he thought he should check the National Lottery app.
“I didn’t tell anyone, not even my wife, and went to work as normal, although my head was absolutely scrambled. I knew I had to contact the National Lottery before heading home, just to be sure.”
Sneakily returning home that evening, the lucky punter quizzed his family members on the hypotheticals of winning a large sum of money, before making the big announcement.
“The newspaper was left on the dinner table, so I asked them what they would do if they won the prize money.
“When I told them I had the winning ticket, it was madness! That moment is something we’ll never forget.”
To treat themselves, his family have decided to head to Disneyland in Paris. “I can’t wait to get stuck in,” he said.
Joining him in celebrating newly found riches are two siblings, also from the Rebel County, who collected a cheque of €292,572 from HQ from their Lotto Match 5 + Bonus ticket.
The pair bought it from Costcutter at Bridge Street in Cork City.
The Costcutter on Bridge Street in Cork where the syndicate of twins bought the winning ticket worth €292,572. Image: Google Maps
“We just can’t believe it” ,they said.
“The two of us have been in a syndicate together for years, although I usually just give my brother the money and he does all the ticket buying and checking – he’s the manager.”
They added: “I watch the Lotto draw live every Wednesday and Saturday. I have my ticket at the ready, pen in hand, ready to tick off the numbers. Last Saturday, at 8.10pm, I was already on the phone to my sister to tell her the news, it was brilliant.”
Also hailing from the southwest of the country is a lucky Limerick player who picked up her €45,005 prize for Telly Bingo Snowball from November 14, purchased from the post office on Main Street Hospital in Kilmallock.
“I love playing Telly Bingo. I watch it live every week, and all my family and friends know that I won’t answer the phone when it’s on,” she said.
Recounting the moment she found out she had become €45,005 richer, she said her neighbours would have found out the same time as her.
“All I needed was number 40, and then Declan Buckley called out number 40. I couldn’t believe it – I’d say my neighbours heard me screaming.”
She is planning to enjoy a comfortable Christmas and to jet off somewhere nice next year.
Tonight’s EuroMillions jackpot is set to roll towards an estimated €180 million. Tickets can be purchased in-store, through the National Lottery app or at www.lottery.ie ahead of the 7.30pm deadline this evening.