“I was completely shocked when I got the call” - Mayo shop owner on selling huge lotto jackpot winning ticket

This week marked a huge win for the west after Wednesday’s Lotto draw (February 25) saw a player in Mayo take the title of first Lotto jackpot winner of 2026. The National Lottery has today revealed that the winning ticket was purchased at Kelly’s Mace at the Circle K Service Station on the Mulranny Road in Newport.
Shop owner Michael Kelly was shocked and excited to get the call from the National Lottery.
“The first thing our National Lottery Rep said to me was ‘are you sitting down?’ I was completely shocked when I got the call since it’s not the type of news you hear every day. Our store has been here for 30 years, so it’s great news for the community. We’re located right on the Greenway here in Newport, kept busy with both locals and people travelling through. There’s great excitement here in-store amongst staff and I’m sure our customers will to be thrilled too when news spreads. We wish the winner all the very best with their win,” said Michael.

READ MORE: National Lottery confirm shop that sold huge Mayo lotto jackpot winner

Ireland’s newest multi-millionaire has since made contact with the National Lottery and arrangements are now being made for them to visit Lottery Headquarters to collect their incredible prize.
National Lottery spokesperson Sarah Orr said there was great excitement for the win for Mayo.
“It’s been a huge week for the west with a Lotto player in Mayo becoming the first jackpot winner of the year to date. While Wednesday night’s winner has taken a highly coveted title, the county is no stranger to big Lotto wins,” said Sarah. “The largest ever Lotto jackpot was won in Mayo in 2022 when Laura’s XL in Castlebar sold a winning ticket worth over €19.06 million. And then last year, a Mayo family syndicate scooped over €17 million after purchasing their ticket online. For now, the celebrations are sure to continue in the county for the weekend!”