The coastal town of Kilrush, Co Clare has erupted in excitement with news that the €8.3million jackpot winning ticket was sold locally.
The winner is yet to come forward to the claim their prize although speculation is mounting in the town the lucky ticket holder may be local.
The €24 mixed play ticket valid for two draws was bought last Saturday from Miniter’s shop on Henry St.
Shop owner Mary Miniter-Doherty said she had dreamed for years that her shop would sell a jackpot winner.
“Every Sunday morning Iused to wait for the phone to ring thinking I might have a winner,” she said.
“But now, I can’t believe it has actually happened. I’m shocked. Absolutely great news.”
“ There’s great excitement around the place.”
Ms Miniter-Doherty said customers had flocked into the shop this morning to congratulate the big win.
“I keep saying to customers this morning to check their change because I’m so excited,” she said.
“We’ve never anything like this before. It is a lot of money.”
“We’re a little community and something like this will make such a difference. There’s not much industry here”
Ms Miniter-Doherty said it would be great if the winner was a local syndicate.
“If it was summer it could be tourists passing-by but with the ticket bought last Saturday that is unlikely,” she said.
“I’ve been racking my brains trying to think who it might have been.
“But I don’t have a clue. ”
A spokeswoman for the National Lottery said the winner had 90 days to claim their prize and can stay anonymous.
“Somebody is going to have a great St Patrick’s Day,” said the spokeswoman.
The win had been rolling over since January 22nd , which made it the biggest prize on offer this year.
The spokeswoman said the winner or winners should sign the back of the ticket and get in touch with the National Lottery.
