The quiet streets of Garryowen, a community on the outskirts of Limerick city, were abruptly filled with jubilant celebrations after a dramatic announcement confirmed that the local G O Stores sold the winning ticket for last Saturday’s Lotto jackpot. This remarkable Lotto win, worth an astonishing €8,970,934, has placed this humble shop back in the spotlight, nearly two decades after it became famous for a historic EuroMillions victory.
The National Lottery disclosed that the winning Quick Pick ticket was bought at G O Stores right on the day of the draw. The winning numbers that captivated the nation on Saturday night were 01, 09, 10, 14, 26, 40, with the bonus number 04. One lucky Lotto player had the incredible good fortune to match all six numbers plus the bonus, thereby clinching the grand prize of €8.9 million.
This latest win rekindles memories of July 2005, when G O Stores garnered international attention for selling the winning ticket of what was then the largest EuroMillions jackpot. Dolores McNamara, a local woman, made headlines as Ireland’s first EuroMillions jackpot winner, walking away with more than €115 million. Her story became legendary, not just in Ireland, but across Europe.
Reflecting on the store’s extraordinary luck, shop owner Tom Brosnan was visibly moved by the news. “We’re back on the map for a lottery win, big time,” Brosnan exclaimed in disbelief. “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 festive atmosphere around the shop was electric as the community gathered to celebrate. Brosnan added, “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.
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As of yet, the winner who holds the life-altering ticket has not stepped forward. In response, National Lottery officials have issued an urgent plea for ticket holders to double-check their numbers from Saturday, April 20. They advise that the holder of the winning ticket should sign the back of it promptly and contact the prize claims team at 1800 666 222 or via email at [email protected], so arrangements can be made for them to collect their transformative prize.
This latest lottery win has prompted a wave of nostalgia among the locals, many of whom recall the media frenzy surrounding McNamara’s colossal win nearly two decades ago. Similar to then, the community finds itself sharing a collective sense of excitement and anticipation as they await the unveiling of the latest lucky winner.
Local residents are signing up for daily newsletters to stay abreast of the latest developments and updates related to the winning ticket. The Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp has also seen a surge in subscriptions, as people opt to receive news and headlines directly to their phones. The service has become a popular medium not only for updates but also for community interactions, promotional offers, and messages from partner organizations.
In addition, the store has experienced an influx of visitors and media personnel, all eager to capture a slice of the ongoing excitement. The staff at G O Stores, meanwhile, have been fielding countless queries and soaking in the celebratory mood. The shop, which had returned to relative anonymity following its 2005 fame, is once again at the epicenter of a major lottery triumph.
The Garryowen community’s resilience and sense of unity are on full display as they revel in this shared victory. For many, G O Stores is more than a simple retail outlet; it’s a symbol of their neighborhood’s good fortune and a testament to the incredible possibilities of a lottery dream.
While the identity of the new millionaire remains unknown, what’s certain is that this win will be etched into the memories of Garryowen’s residents for years to come, much like McNamara’s historic win. In a time where good news is most welcomed, this magical lotto win has brought renewed hope and a reason to celebrate to this storied corner of Ireland.
