The Daily Star Ireland
A family syndicate from Ireland has officially claimed the staggering €250 million EuroMillions jackpot, describing the life-changing moment as “completely surreal.” Choosing to remain anonymous, the family shared details of their extraordinary win and how they plan to stay grounded despite becoming one of the biggest lottery winners in Irish history.
A Lucky Stop at a Local Shop
The winning ticket was bought at Clifford’s Centra in County Cork, during what was meant to be a routine shopping trip. One family member recounted how the winning moment started as nothing more than a spontaneous decision.
“I just popped in to pick up a few bits,” they said. “I saw the sign by the till advertising the €250 million jackpot. I’m usually a regular player, but I hadn’t bought a ticket for the last two draws. I grabbed one without really thinking much about it.”
That ticket would go on to make history.
Staying Humble, Planning Holidays — and Keeping It Irish
The family emphasized that the enormous windfall won’t change who they are or how they live their lives. “We’re staying in Ireland,” one member said. “We’ve made a promise to ourselves that this win won’t change us.”
Still, they’re not shy about embracing a few dreams long put on hold. “We absolutely plan to take a family holiday. Travel is something we love, and there are so many places we’ve always dreamed of visiting. We’re already looking at holiday homes somewhere in the sun.”
Despite their newfound wealth, some daily routines are staying put. “I’ll still be having my ham and cheese sandwich for lunch every day,” one syndicate member joked.
A Desire to Give Back and Support Family
The family also shared their intention to support their wider circle of loved ones and contribute to causes they care deeply about. “We feel incredibly fortunate now to be in a position where we can buy homes for our children and help our family,” they said, adding that they also plan to support several charities that hold personal significance to them.
Discovering the Win: A Night of Shock and Celebration
The life-altering discovery came on an ordinary night while watching RTÉ’s Nine O’Clock News. A report mentioned that the winning EuroMillions ticket had been sold in Ireland.
“That was the moment I decided to scan my ticket using the National Lottery app,” the winner explained. “A message popped up saying, ‘You’ve won big. Contact the National Lottery.’ I checked it four more times because I just couldn’t believe it.”
Still reeling, he rushed upstairs to wake his wife. “We both sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the numbers on the website, just saying ‘Oh my god’ again and again. I think we must’ve said it 50 times. We were completely in shock.”
A Safe Spot for the Golden Ticket
The winning slip wasn’t left to chance. The family tucked it inside an A4 sheet of paper and hid it under a pile of folded laundry—just until it was time to officially claim the prize. In the meantime, they continued their daily lives as normally as possible, seeking independent legal and financial advice to help guide them through the claim process.
Fulfilling Long-Held Dreams
While most of their plans are practical and family-focused, there’s still room for a few personal indulgences. One family member admitted to fulfilling a lifelong wish: owning a Rolex.
“I’ve always dreamed of having one but never thought I could afford it,” they said. “I went window shopping last week just to have a look and was stunned by the prices. I called my wife, and she simply said, ‘Well, now you can buy one if you want.’”
Reflecting on their new reality, the family said it still doesn’t feel quite real. “It hasn’t fully sunk in yet.”
