It was a jubilant day at Ireland’s luckiest shop following the confirmation that they had sold the winning ticket for last Saturday’s Lotto jackpot, a staggering amount of over €8.9 million. The excitement coursed through the Garryowen community in Limerick as it became clear that one local was now €8,970,934 richer after matching all six numbers plus the bonus in the draw.
The winning numbers that catapulted the fortunate player into a world of newfound wealth were 01, 09, 10, 14, 26, 40, with the bonus number being 04. The National Lottery disclosed that the winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased on the very day of the draw at G O Stores, a shop well-rooted in the heart of Garryowen on the outskirts of Limerick city.
This isn’t the first time G O Stores has created a massive stir across Ireland and even Europe. In 2005, the store found its claim to fame when it sold the winning ticket for the then-record EuroMillions jackpot, marking the largest ever prize at that time. That extraordinary win turned local resident Dolores McNamara into an overnight sensation as she became Ireland’s first EuroMillions jackpot winner, walking away with a life-altering sum of over €115 million.
Store owner Tom Brosnan, a witness to both monumental wins, expressed his incredulity and joy. “We’re back on the map for a lottery win, big time,” he remarked, beaming with pride and disbelief. “It’s been almost 20 years since we sold the winning EuroMillions ticket to Dolores, but this win is just as magical. Most of our customers are local and we’re absolutely thrilled for whoever it might be.”
The ripple effect of the win was immediately felt throughout the community, with numerous residents flocking to G O Stores to share in the excitement. “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,” Brosnan added. “Whoever they are, we wish them the very best of luck.
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The National Lottery is now on the lookout for the newfound millionaire and has issued an urgent appeal, urging ticket holders to meticulously check their numbers from the draw on Saturday, April 20th. The winner, whose identity remains a mystery for now, is advised to sign the back of their ticket and contact the prize claims team at 1800 666 222 or via email at [email protected]. The necessary arrangements will then be made for the fortunate individual to collect their life-changing sum.
While the community continues to celebrate, the National Lottery is also urging lottery enthusiasts to remain vigilant and thorough in checking their tickets. This recent win undoubtedly brings a wave of nostalgia to the Garryowen community, evoking memories of the historic 2005 EuroMillions win. It is a reminder of the incredible stories that small, local businesses can be a part of, altering lives forever.
The significance of such wins stretches beyond the monetary gain for the individuals involved. They spark immense community pride and serve as a beacon of hope and excitement, infusing small towns and communities with dreams of possibility. G O Stores has twice become a sanctuary of dreams realized, a place where lightning has indeed struck twice.
With the winner yet to step forward, the potential for another heartwarming story is palpable. Perhaps another local will recreate the travel path of Dolores McNamara, who famously took time to process her immense win before stepping into the limelight. Until the mystery winner appears, the Garryowen community revels in the joy of another historic moment, savoring the win for their local store and celebrating the notion that, in the lottery, the extraordinary can truly happen to the ordinary.
For those who dream of winning big, Limerick’s G O Stores stands as a testament to the possible, showing that sometimes lightning does indeed strike twice in the same place. Keep an eye on those tickets and may fortune favor the hopeful.
