Mayo family claim third-highest lotto jackpot in history

One lucky Mayo family have spoken about their reaction after winning the third-highest National Lottery jackpot of all time.

Last month, it was revealed that someone in the county was waking up a cool €17 million richer, having purchased a blockbuster winning Lotto Jackpot ticket.

The winning ticket, to the value of €17,008,295, was purchased online on Wednesday, August 29.

The family syndicate, who have elected to remain anonymous, made their trip to National Lottery HQ to claim the prize.

In an interview, one family member has spoken about the life-changing win.

“I wish I could say that the news has sunk in by now, but I’m waiting for hidden cameras to pop out and tell us that this is all a big joke," they revealed. "The last few weeks are a total blur, and I still wake up in the middle of the night wondering, 'Is this real or just a mad dream?'

"We’re all in shock, and you’d think sitting in the Winners Room would help, but we just can’t believe it.” 

 There was also an unexpected reaction from the crew of big winners upon finding out they'd scooped the sum.

“You always imagine that you’ll be jumping up and down, but we sat in silence and total disbelief," they stated.

"It’s really not what you imagine at all. I was on to the Claims Team first thing the next morning and definitely breathed a sigh of relief when the guys confirmed the win. I couldn’t tell you what else they said on the phone, though, it’s all just a blur at this stage.” 

The winners are now aiming to take a number of high-profile destinations off the bucket list in the coming months and years.

“Before we won, we always had a list as long as our arms of the things we’d do first, but it’s like we can’t think now.

"We can’t wait to book a few trips to America and Australia because we’ve been saying for years that we’d go, and now we can. It’s a big change to go from checking your bank balance before shopping to not having that worry anymore. We are determined to help those around us as well as local charities. Community is hugely important to us.” 

The win means that two of the top three biggest National Lottery jackpot wins of all time have come to Mayo, with the biggest Jackpot winner of all time, totalled at €19,060,800, being purchased in Laura’s XL on Hopkins Road in Castlebar on January 15, 2022.

Time will tell what the lucky family does with their newfound funds. One thing is for certain, though, they won't be checking their bank balances anytime soon.