One lucky player is celebrating after winning a top prize on the National Lottery for a third time – making him one of Ireland's luckiest players.
The Munster man collected his prize from Lotto headquarters in Dublin on Tuesday for the third time in 13 years.
The man, who is understood to be single, won €20,000 on this occasion but previously walked away with prizes of €300,000 on Lotto Plus 1 in 2004 and €500,000 as part of a Lotto syndicate in 2006.
The delighted football fan joked with staff in the Lotto headquarters that he hoped to win again. “Hope to see you again soon,” he told staff as he picked up the cheque.
“I always play EuroMillions and I bought my ticket as normal for the EuroMillions Draw on May 30th.
“I really couldn’t believe it when I saw five numbers came up.
“I know it’s not a life-changing amount but it is still nice and will allow me do some things.”
‘Few days off’
“I don’t know yet how I will spend this win but first I will go for a pint in Dublin and take a few days off,” he added.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, was accompanied by a friend to collect his winnings.
He said: “He is the same person. But it is unbelievable that he has won three times. When he called me to tell me I thought he was kidding.
“What are the chances of this happening anyone? I am thrilled for him it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.”
The winners’ room
National Lottery Chief Executive, Dermot Griffin, congratulated the three-time winner. He said: "We have had people coming through here twice but to have someone in our winners' room three times is something else.
“We are delighted for this player. It just shows dreams do come true – more than once.”
The winning EuroMillions Match 5 ticket worth €19,912 was purchased in Supervalu on Main St, Ballincollig, Cork.