‘Something came over me to buy ticket’ says man who won big EuroMillions prize

A LUCKY punter has told how he won a life-changing EuroMillions prize after “something came over me” to buy a ticket.

Kieran Doheny, from Laois, won €500,000 in a EuroMillions Plus draw in May.

Attending Lotto HQ to collect his prize today, he celebrated the huge win with his siblings.

He won the staggering amount in the May 14 draw after purchasing his ticket at the Daybreak store in Borris-in-Ossary, Co. Laois.

He explained that it was a last minute decision to buy the ticket for the Tuesday night draw – but one that certainly paid off.

Kieran said: “I was sitting there watching the television and something just came over me to go and buy a ticket for the draw that evening.

“I jumped straight in the car and got my ticket but of course didn’t think anything else of it.

“I left the ticket in the car and the next day when I was checking the ticket, I was wondering was I in the right car because I thought I just had to be seeing things.

“I headed straight for the shop where I purchased the ticket, which was Daybreak in Borris-in-Ossary, and they double checked it for me.

“I think the lady on the counter got some shock too as I’m sure they don’t see these big wins all the time either!

“She rang the Claims Department for me and the win was confirmed. Talk about a total whirlwind of a morning!” 

He added that it was a challenge to get his family to believe his amazing news.

He explained: “As soon as I got in the door, I rang my sister who was on holiday in America at the time. I wasn’t even thinking of the time difference as it was 4am for her!

“She certainly wasn’t expecting a call from me at that time, especially with news like that.

“I think it probably took her a while to believe me but then as if by perfect timing, a message came into the family Whatsapp group saying that someone in Borris-in-Ossary won big in the draw the night before.

“Local radio were talking about the shop where the ticket was sold so I suppose everyone was getting excited about a local win.

“I replied immediately by saying It’s me who won the €500,000. I had to go back into convincing mode then for the rest of them and eventually they all believed me.”

Kieran added that he has no plans for his fortune, and said there have been lots of well wishes from friends and the community.

He did, however, put a family celebration at the top of his to-do list.

Tonight there will be a guaranteed winner of the EuroMillions jackpot worth a breathtaking €130million.

If an Irish player wins the jackpot, they will become the 18th Irish EuroMillions jackpot winner since the game launched here in 2004.

National Lottery spokesperson Sarah Orr said: “Imagine getting your weekend started with a massive €130million jackpot win!

“Well for one player, that could be a reality with just a few hours to go until tonight’s EuroMillions draw which has a guaranteed €130million jackpot on offer.

“Since the game launched in Ireland, we have seen 17 EuroMillions jackpot winners in Ireland.

“A potential winner in tonight’s draw would of course join this highly coveted list and take the 18th spot as Ireland’s newest multi-millionaire.

“We are reminding our players nationwide hoping to be celebrating a big win that tickets can be purchased in-store, through the National Lottery app or at www.lottery.ie ahead of the 7.30pm cut-off time for sales this evening.”