Excitement is reaching fever pitch among EuroMillions players across Ireland as they eagerly await Friday night’s Mega Draw, which promises an unprecedented guaranteed jackpot of €130 million. The National Lottery has confirmed this staggering sum ahead of the highly anticipated event, ensuring that this weekend could be life-changing for some lucky ticket holder.
This special draw, labeled a Mega Draw, sets itself apart by guaranteeing a nine-figure jackpot, unlike regular draws where the amount rolls over if not won. This means that regardless of the outcome of previous draws, a top prize of €130 million is up for grabs. To participate, all players need to do is secure a valid EuroMillions ticket, either in-store, through the National Lottery app, or on the official website, before the cut-off at 7.30 pm on Friday.
“As we head into the Bank Holiday weekend, someone in Ireland could seize the incredible €130 million jackpot on Friday night,” a National Lottery spokesperson announced. “This colossal prize could make a EuroMillions player the first jackpot winner from Ireland in 2024, marking a monumental start to the year.”
The spokesperson also emphasized the importance of purchasing tickets early to avoid the last-minute rush. “As we approach the deadline, every player should ensure they have their ticket. It could be the key to an unforgettable Bank Holiday weekend.”
Since the inception of EuroMillions in Ireland in 2004, the country has celebrated 17 jackpot winners. The possibility of adding an 18th name to this distinguished list is tantalizing as players across the nation dream of joining the exclusive club of jackpot winners. Looking back, here are the notable Irish EuroMillions jackpot winners to date:
1. In July 2005, Dolores McNamara from Limerick made history as Ireland’s first and largest EuroMillions winner by scooping up an astounding €115 million.
2. Three years later, in July 2008, a ticket purchased in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary secured a €15 million jackpot.
3. June 2009 saw a family syndicate in Dublin share a jackpot of over €29.4 million with a British winner.
4. A memorable win in June 2013 had a Dublin player sharing a EuroMillions jackpot worth over €187 million, walking away with a generous half equating to over €93 million.
5. In September 2013, a young man from the South East shared a jackpot of over €25 million with a player in Spain, his ticket bought in Ardkeen Superstores, Waterford, netting him over €12.8 million.
6. April 2014 had a €15 million jackpot claimed with a ticket sold in Staunton’s Costcutter Express in Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
7. September 2014 saw a €86.7 million win by a Dublin syndicate, with the winning ticket sold in Ballybrack, Co. Dublin.
8. January 2016 marked a €66 million win for a syndicate of friends splitting the €132.4 million jackpot, the ticket bought in Carlow.
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9. July 2016 had 22 Dublin Bus colleagues sharing a €23.8 million jackpot from a ticket sold in Portarlington.
10. A €88.5 million jackpot win in January 2017 was claimed by a Dublin work syndicate, with the winning ticket sold in Lusk, Co. Dublin.
11. A West of Ireland syndicate scooped up €29 million in July 2017 with a ticket sold in Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
12. December 2017 saw a small family syndicate from Dublin win €38.9 million with a ticket purchased in Malahide Shopping Centre.
13. In June 2018, 32 colleagues from Stakelums Hardware store in Thurles shared a €17 million jackpot.
14. February 2019 brought the Naul Family Syndicate a massive €175.4 million prize with a ticket bought in Dublin.
15. A Co. Mayo family shared a €17 million jackpot in February 2020, with their ticket purchased in Castlebar.
16. An online player from Dublin claimed a €49.5 million jackpot in July 2020 with a modest €2.50 normal play ticket.
17. Most recently, in February 2022, a Mid-West ticket holder won €30.9 million with a Quick Pick ticket purchased in Ballina, Co. Tipperary.
As players eagerly await Friday night’s draw, the air is thick with anticipation and dreams of newfound wealth. Many are already planning potential purchases, investments, and celebrations should they clinch the life-altering jackpot.
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With the potential to change lives overnight, the excitement surrounding the EuroMillions Mega Draw continues to build. All eyes will be on the draw this Friday, as Ireland hopes to witness yet another lucky winner join the prestigious ranks of EuroMillions jackpot victors.
