A mother of five who won Ireland's biggest ever Lotto jackpot of €16 million was yesterday described by neighbours as being a "salt of the earth" type who had dedicated her life to bringing up her children, writes Olivia Kelleher.
Helen and Paul Cunningham, Bridevalley View, Farranree, Cork, were not at their modest three-bedroom semi-detached home on the north side of the city yesterday when The Irish Times called.
A male relative who answered the door refused to confirm or deny that the couple had won the jackpot. He said he was taking care of the house for a few days as the pair, who are in their mid-50s, had gone away.
However, neighbours spoke of their joy at the Cunninghams' big win. One family friend, who asked not to be named, said she had spoken directly to Helen about her life-changing win. "I was speaking to Helen this morning. She is over the moon. No one deserves it more. It couldn't happen to a nicer family.
"Helen has always been there for her children. She was always a stay-at-home mother. One of her sons, Shane, is special needs.
"He is about 23. I think Helen has only ever been on holiday once. It is fantastic really. She told me that she was watching a neighbour move out of the park recently and was wishing that it was her.
"Now she can go and buy whatever she wants. They have lived here for as long as the houses are built - about 23 years. Everyone really likes them."
The Cunninghams have five children, Amy, Sarah, Paul, Stephen and Shane, ranging in age from teens to mid-20s.
Their youngest child, Amy, recently completed her Junior Certificate while one or more of the sons is involved in the bar trade. Paul Cunningham snr is the manager of the Berehaven Pub in his native Blackpool, Cork.
The Cunninghams are heavily involved in GAA with the sons playing for Na Piarsaigh hurling and football club. They also have links to Glen Rovers hurling and football club.
It is understood there was a party on Saturday night in Bridevalley View when word came through of the big win. However, neighbours were reluctant to be drawn on it yesterday.
One of the Cunningham boys also celebrated at a GAA club on the north side of the city on Saturday night.
The €4 quick pick was bought at the Centra Shop, Close Road, Farranree, on Friday night. Centra owner Barry Twomey said it was the first big Lotto win since he took over the shop seven years ago.
He said the amount was "mind-boggling" and he had been inundated with calls since news of the win broke. "It is great to think that someone came into my shop to buy a ticket over the last few days and is now a multi-millionaire."
The selling agent will get €15,000, which is taxable.
The National Lottery said it had not yet been contacted by the holder of the winning ticket. Saturday's Lotto jackpot was the biggest ever in the history of the National Lottery in Ireland following 11 rollovers.