A sense of anticipation and excitement has gripped the residents of a housing estate in Bray, Co. Wicklow, as news spreads of a EuroMillions player’s near miss at the €200 million jackpot. Advocates for good fortune are prompting locals to meticulously scrutinize their tickets, following the revelation that one player managed to match all five numbers and one lucky star in Friday’s colossal €200 million EuroMillions draw, seizing a staggering €266,633.
The auspicious Quick Pick ticket that snatched the almost jackpot-winning combination was purchased at the Nearby Store, affectionately dubbed ‘Carmel’s’ by community members. Nestled within the Killarney Park estate’s warm embrace and a stone’s throw from Ardmore Studios, the store has become the focus of buzz and jubilation across Bray Town.
Eager to share in the glory of the historic moment, the store’s proprietor, Jason Fegan, was elated by the news that one of his customers had achieved such an impressive win, especially in the weeks precursor to Christmas festivities. Fegan invited everyone in the closely woven community to check their tickets with the utmost care.
“This is such an incredible win, especially just before Christmas,” Fegan expressed, exhilarated by the prospect of his customer’s newfound wealth. “We are absolutely delighted for whoever it is. The store itself couldn’t be any more local, situated in the heart of Killarney Park, a closeknit community that must surely be overjoyed to know one of its own is a quarter of a million euros richer as the festive season approaches. I suspect the winner won’t be too dismayed about missing the €200 million jackpot!” Fegan declared, hopeful that the celebrations will soon include the lucky ticket holder once the community learns of the win.
The winning combination from Friday’s draw featured the numbers 04, 10, 14, 38, and 50, accompanied by Lucky Stars 9 and 12. Friday’s draw ended without a jackpot winner, prompting a significant rollover that brings Tuesday’s EuroMillions jackpot to an anticipated €220 Million windfall.
Simultaneously, Lotto enthusiasts are watching the prize pot escalate, as Saturday’s jackpot is predicted to balloon to a bountiful €7.2 million. Hopeful participants are reminded that their chance for colossal wealth is only a ticket away – available at stores, on the National Lottery app, or on the official lottery website, but they must be swift, as the cutoff for purchasing tickets is at 7:45pm on the day of the draw.
It’s important to note the overarching impact of every EuroMillions reach. Nearly 30 cents of every euro spent on National Lottery games is invested into Good Causes, with a scope that encompasses sports, youth programs, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage, and even the Irish Language. Since the inception of the National Lottery 36 years ago, over €6 billion has been funneled into these valiant efforts to better communities.
In the past year alone, €259.5 million was sourced from the National Lottery gameplay to benefit local Good Causes across Ireland, demonstrating the profound effect these games have on societal well-being.
Reiterating the urgency and excitement, Fegan calls to the fortunate ticket holder to get in touch with the National Lottery prize claims team via their helpline or email to clear the way for claiming the generous prize.
As Bray Town revels in the mirth of one resident’s near-jackpot experience, the broader community shares in the profound reminder of the difference a single number can make – in both a game of chance and the lives touched by its multifaceted reach.
