20 June 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
A Munster bachelor, who works in Cork, is claiming to be Ireland’s luckiest man after he paid his third visit in 13 years to the coveted National Lottery Winners room today.
The delighted player, who left the Dublin building with a cheque for almost €20,000, joked with National Lottery staff: “You will be getting sick of me. Hope to see you again soon!”
The gob smacked football fan said he always believed he would get back to the Winners Room – despite previous luck which saw him win €300,000 on Lotto Plus 1 in 2004 and €500,000 as part of a Lotto syndicate in 2006.
“I always play EuroMillions and I bought my ticket as normal for the EuroMillions Draw on May 30th. I really couldn’t believe it when I saw 5 numbers came up! I know it’s not a life changing amount but it is still nice and will allow me do some things.”
The winner said his previous big wins did not change him or his lifestyle in any dramatic way. “I paid for my house and I was able to help out family which was great. I also got to do lots of travel, something I hadn’t had an opportunity to do up to then. I have had a good time.”
A close friend who accompanied him to the winner’s room said he was a wonderful person and his good fortune had not changed him. “He is the same person. But it is unbelievable that he has won three times. When he called me to tell me I thought he was kidding. What are the chances of this happening anyone? I am thrilled for him it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.”
The winning EuroMillions Match 5 ticket worth €19,912 was purchased in Supervalu, Main Street, Ballincollig, Co Cork.
National Lottery Chief Executive, Dermot Griffin, today congratulated the three-time winner. “We have had people coming through here twice but to have someone in our Winners Room three times is something else. We are delighted for this player. It just shows dreams do come true – more than once.”
Playing the lotto is a form of gambling, with limited odds. Accordingly it should be seen as a form of entertainment, not investment!
