Ballynacargy 500000 win claimed

Two lucky ticketholders scooped the €500,000 top prize in the EuroMillions Plus draw on Tuesday, February 24, and they claimed their half a million euro prizes at National Lottery offices today.

A man from Westmeath who went in to pick up a cheque for €500,000 is a regular EuroMillions player and picked his own numbers.

“I’ve been playing these numbers for years,” he said. “I just picked them randomly and can’t believe they’ve been so lucky for me. I’ve won a few euro but never anything like this.

“When I saw there were two winners of the top prize that night, I was sure we’d split the prize 50-50. I was listening to Midlands Radio and the Lottery person said I’d won the full half million. I couldn’t believe it! It was like winning all over again. Out of nowhere the prize had been doubled!”

The happy winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, bought his lucky €6 mixed play ticket in William and Anne Penrose’s Store on the main street in Ballynacargy. He currently has no plans for the win, preferring to let the good news sink in before making any big decisions.

The first lucky winner to pick up their €500,000 cheque this morning was a pensioner from Tallaght, Dublin. He discovered the fantastic news of his win on Wednesday morning.

“I went up to the shop to get the paper and asked for a print out of the EuroMillions results. I sat down and looked at the numbers. I thought, this couldn’t be right! I checked them over the over. He’s feeling – well, it’s just marvellous,” he said.

The Tallaght man bought his ticket in Tom Stanley Newsagents in The Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght, Dublin 24 on the day of the draw, Tuesday 24 February 2015. He played his own numbers.

“The funny thing is,” he said “I’d just changed my numbers. It was only the second time I’d played my new set of numbers. I’m glad I changed them!” he smiled.

The winner plans to make home improvements and share some of his winnings with his family. He wishes to remain private.

Tomorrow night’s EuroMillions jackpot (Friday February 27) is an estimated €70 million. Play in store before 7.30pm on online at lottery.ie before 7.25pm for your chance to win riches beyond your wildest dreams!

Make sure to collect your Lottery prizes before Friday February 27 for tickets purchased prior to November 30, 2014.