'It’s an incredible amount of money': Mayo hairdresser claims Euromillions raffle prize
National Lottery says well-known figure in Castlebar bought Quick Pick ticket 'on a whim' minutes before special raffle
A National Lottery player in Mayo is celebrating after they claimed a life-changing Euromillions prize.
Patrick Monahan, from Castlebar, officially claimed his cheque for €255,000 having won the EuroMillions Ireland Only Raffle promotion held on Friday, May 30.
A well-known figure in the community with over 40 years behind the salon chair, it’s not his styling skills making headlines, but a winning ticket.
The National Lottery says the winning ticket was bought on a whim at Duffy’s Costcutter on Turlough Road in Castlebar, just minutes before the cut-off for the raffle.
Collecting his prize, Patrick revealed that he bought two Quick Pick tickets, one for himself and one for a close friend waiting in the car.
Having returned to the car, he held out both tickets and asked: “Left hand or right?” His friend chose the right and Patrick ended up with the left-hand ticket… the winning one.
“I’m absolutely thrilled” Patrick said, still taking in the news. “It’s an incredible amount of money, especially since I thought I’d won €5,000, not an extra €250,000!”
The hairdresser says he plans to celebrate with the very friend who was with him that day. “We’ve shared plenty of laughs over the years, and this is definitely one we’ll never forget. I couldn’t celebrate without him!”
Separately, this Saturday night’s Lotto Jackpot is an estimated €2 million! Tickets can be purchased in-store, through the National Lottery app or at lottery.ie ahead of the 7.45pm cut off.