‘Total whirlwind’ as Irish EuroMillions player goes public after life-changing win

A Co Laois man has gone public after winning a life-changing prize in Tuesday’s EuroMillions draw.

Kieran Doheny headed to the Lotto HQ on Friday to collect his €500,000 EuroMillions Plus top prize which he won in the draw held on May 14.

Purchasing his winning ticket at the Daybreak store in Borris-in-Ossary, Co. Laois, Mr Doheny revealed it was a last-minute decision to buy his winning ticket.

‘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,’ he said.

He added: ‘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!’

According to Mr Doheny, it was a challenge trying to get his family to believe that he won the life-changing prize.

He recalled: ‘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.’

While Mr Doheny doesn’t know what he’s going to do with his winnings, he noted that his first plan is to hold a celebration with his family.