A TEN-MAN syndicate picked up their €5.5million Lotto jackpot prize today after finally winning big playing the same numbers for 25 years.
The group of Galway City Council street cleaners almost changed their lucky digits only months ago but decided against it before scooping the huge prize in the August 3 National Lottery draw.
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The ten-man syndicate was formed almost 25 years ago, with all of their numbers chosen for individual reasons by all of the members.
Celebrations were in full swing in the National Lottery’s winners’ room today as the syndicate collected the life-changing €5,541,001.
The ecstatic group, who wish remain anonymous, told how one man nearly dropped out of the syndicate before being convinced otherwise.
Speaking about keeping the belief going over the past quarter of a century, one man said: “The lads thought about changing the numbers at one stage, but decided against making any changes.
“Just last Christmas, one member mentioned that he was going to leave the syndicate, but he was persuaded to stay on and was told it was only the price of a pint and a newspaper.
“Luckily, he stayed as the syndicate winning numbers appeared on the August 3 Lottery draw”.
Another winner added: “Someone said that we ‘cleaned-up’ and we did, but us lads clean up every day by ensuring the streets and parks in Galway city are spotless.
“We’re proud of our city. Unlike the ‘magnificent seven’ – these ‘magnificent ten’ can now all ride off into the sunset with their lottery win secured.”
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The large syndicate have become Ireland’s seventh Lotto jackpot winners of the year after purchasing the winning ticket in Newspoint newsagent, Unit 25, Galway Shopping Centre, on the Headford Road on Sunday July 31.
As there was no winner of the Lotto jackpot on Saturday August 13, tonight’s Lotto jackpot rolls towards an estimated €3million.
Meanwhile, a winner from Kildare collected their top prize of €500,000 EuroMillions Plus draw which they won on Tuesday August 9.
The winner who wishes to remain private, expressed her disbelief after scoring the huge sum.
‘COULDN’T HAVE COME AT A BETTER TIME’
They said: “It was my mam’s birthday so I bought her a EuroMillions plus ticket and then thought I’d buy one for myself too while I’m at it.
“I checked the numbers coming up and couldn’t believe it. It ended up being my ticket that won!!
“My mam said it made her birthday even better knowing I’d won. I’m hoping to purchase my first home so this couldn’t have come at a better time.”
The winning Quick Pick ticket was sold on August 6 at the News 4 U store in Glenroyal Shopping Centre, Maynooth, Co Kildare.
As there was no winner of Tuesday’s EuroMillions jackpot, Friday’s jackpot is set to roll to an estimated €75million.
