In a thrilling turn of events, one fortunate Cork resident has won a jaw-dropping sum of more than €1 million in the EuroMillions special Ireland Only Raffle, providing an electrifying start to their weekend. This exclusive raffle, which occurs only a few times each year, guaranteed that ten Irish players would win €5,000 each, with one exceptionally lucky punter receiving an additional €1 million.
The National Lottery confirmed that the winning ticket, worth a tremendous €1,005,000, was purchased in Cork. Although the exact location of the store where the winning ticket was bought will remain under wraps until Sunday, May 19, the announcement has sent waves of excitement throughout the Rebel County.
In a message directed to Cork players, the National Lottery has urged everyone to check their tickets meticulously, especially focusing on the unique nine-character IOR code—comprising four letters and five numbers—printed on each line of their ticket. For the winner, signing the back of the ticket and storing it securely is crucial. To claim their life-changing prize, they should promptly contact the prize claims team at 1800 666 222 or email [email protected]. Arrangements will be made for them to collect their €1,005,000 at Lotto HQ.
Sarah Orr, a spokesperson for the National Lottery, also emphasized the importance of checking the Raffle codes. She stated, “Friday night’s draw saw over 45,000 players in Ireland win prizes across the EuroMillions and EuroMillions Plus draws. A Cork player has officially become the biggest winner of the night after scooping €1,005,000 in the special Ireland Only Raffle. We appeal to all players in the Cork area to check their tickets carefully today, especially the Raffle codes, as one player has a life-changing prize waiting to be claimed. The winner should sign the back of their ticket and keep it safe before contacting our prize claims team to arrange their visit to Lotto HQ.”
As the Cork winner begins to process their newfound fortune, the excitement continues for other Irish players who dream of hitting the jackpot. Tonight’s Lotto jackpot has rolled over to an estimated €2.5 million, offering another chance for those hoping to strike it rich. Tickets remain available nationwide in-store, through the National Lottery app, and online at www.lottery.
.ie, with a cut-off time of 7.45 pm for sales this evening.
This extraordinary Ireland Only Raffle allows for such massive winnings due to its structure. For every EuroMillions draw in Ireland, each player receives a unique nine-character IOR code for each line purchased. In regular draws, 10 Irish players win €5,000 each. However, on special pre-announced draw dates, like last Friday’s, the stakes are significantly higher. The regular 10 IOR winners each receive their usual €5,000 but are also entered into an additional special draw, where one of them will win an extra €1 million.
On Friday, the top prize of €1,005,000 was won by the holder of the code I-QQN-12284. Players are earnestly urged to verify their tickets to see if they hold the golden code. Despite no one scooping the EuroMillions jackpot, a total of 45,000 players in Ireland won prizes in the EuroMillions and Plus games, showcasing the National Lottery’s broad impact.
Additionally, another Irish EuroMillions player had a stroke of good fortune this week, winning the EuroMillions top prize of €500,000. This winning ticket was purchased by a player from Co Laois at the Daybreak store on Main Street in Borris-in-Ossary. Meanwhile, an online player from Kilkenny also thrilled the National Lottery scene by collecting their EuroMillions Plus top prize from the draw on April 26.
These exhilarating wins underscore the life-changing impact of the National Lottery, fostering dreams and hope across Ireland. Players who aspire to big wins are encouraged to keep participating, but also to do so responsibly.
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In the world of lotteries, every ticket is a chance at a new beginning, and for these fortunate winners, the reality of their dreams is now unfolding before their very eyes.