A LOTTO “gold rush” has struck at a lucky Limerick shop after staff sold a second life-changing multi-million Euro ticket.
Garryowen’s GO Stores issued the jackpot docket but the owner has yet to come forward and collect their €8.9m prize.
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As the Champagne was popped today, chuffed shop owner Tom Brosnan said he still has “no idea” who Saturday night’s National Lottery winner is.
Back in 2005 the same little shop sold the bumper €115 million ticket to Ireland’s first megabucks EuroMillions winner Dolores McNamara.
That win catapulted the then-45-year-old mum to number 70 on a list of the country’s richest 100 people, streaking past Ireland legend ace Roy Keane and screen star Colin Farrell.
It was the highest win not just in the history of the state but in Europe at the time.
Today staff member Jack Summerfield said the latest news had sparked “a gold rush” with customers lining up to buy lotto tickets.
He told the Irish Sun: “Everyone’s waiting, hoping to hear who the winner is soon.
“People are saying there must be something lucky about the shop so there’s a bit of superstition feeding into it.”
Owner Tom, whose cheery staff have now sold close to €124 million worth of winning tickets, said he was in disbelief that his small store could sell another life-changing lottery prize in his time.
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He said: “We’re back on the map for a lottery win, big time.
“It’s been almost 20 years since we sold the winning EuroMillions ticket to Dolores (McNamara) but this win is just as magical. Most of our customers are local and we’re absolutely thrilled for whoever it might be.
“The whole community has been down to the shop today, there’s a great buzz about the place and I’m sure the celebrations will continue for a good few weeks until the winner comes forward. Whoever they are, we wish them the very best of luck.”
He also joked that he hasn’t seen Dolores McNamara since the win but that he’s looking forward to hearing who the latest winner is.
Case of ‘lightning striking twice’
Sarah Orr from the National Lottery said: “This really is a case of lightning striking twice.
“In 2005 this was the most famous shop in Ireland so it is definitely a well-renowned store.”
The biggest win to date in Ireland was a €175.4 million EuroMillions jackpot that was bagged by a family syndicate from Dublin in 2019.
But that mighty initial haul by Dolores, which came after nine weeks of rollovers, sparked huge interest as she began the spending round of her dreams.
Dolores’ spending
She bought homes for her six children and forked out €3.5 million on the historic 16-bedroom Lough Derg Hall in Co Clare, set in a stunning 270 acre plot.
The family has since built up a beef herd on the property.
In a statement issued at the time of her win a family spokesperson said: “It is her sincere desire that she and her family will return to normality as soon as possible.
“She is absolutely determined that her feet and the feet of her family will remain firmly on the ground.”
Saturday night’s winner scooped €8,970,934 after correctly matching all six numbers plus the bonus.
The winning numbers were 01, 09, 10, 14, 26, 40 and bonus 04.
Lotto players who use the store were being urged to check their tickets from Saturday night’s April 20 draw.
Sarah Orr said: “We have had no contact from the winner yet, so make sure to check your tickets from Saturday night.
‘Huge news’
“Someone has nearly nine million euro waiting for them and they don’t even know.”
She added: “The first thing that the winner should do is sign their ticket and keep it in a safe place.
“This is of course huge news to come to terms with so they should make contact with our prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie.
“And arrangements will be made for them to collect this incredible amount in Lotto HQ.”
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