August was an exciting month for National Lottery players all over Ireland, as five new millionaires were crowned in just four weeks.
The National Lottery has urged players to check their tickets carefully as two of Ireland’s newest million euro prizes remain unclaimed after the EuroMillions ‘Ireland only raffle draws’ this month.
A player from Co Galway became the third millionaire of August after purchasing the lucky ticket worth a whopping €1,005,000 in Costcutter, Bealadangan, on Friday, August 19.
READ MORE: Ireland weather: Met Eireann forecast grim turn as stunning conditions come to sudden end
While a second player in Co Kildare became the fourth millionaire of the month after purchasing their ticket worth €1,005,000 online or on the National Lottery App on August 26.
The National Lottery is urging players in both counties to check their tickets carefully, as the winners are yet to come forward to claim their prizes.
The ‘Ireland Only Raffle’ winning raffle code worth €1,005,000 to one Galway player was: I – NCR – 41927
Meanwhile, the winning raffle code worth €1,005,000 to one Kildare player was: I-NDJ-62913
The first big win of the month came on Wednesday, August 3, when a group of Galway City Council street cleaners scooped the lotto jackpot prize of a whopping €5,541,001.
The ten-man syndicate was formed almost twenty-five years ago, with all numbers chosen for the draw individual to all the members.
One syndicate member spoke of how they had to keep the belief going after so many years.
He 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 3rd Lottery draw”.
The large syndicate became Ireland’s 7th Lotto Jackpot of the year.
The winning ticket was sold in Newspoint newsagent, Unit 25, Galway Shopping Centre, on the Headford Road on Sunday, July 31.
After the big win, the National Lottery launched a special EuroMillions, ‘Ireland only raffle draw’, which guaranteed a winner of €1 million on the 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th of August.
Once again, on Friday, August 5, a player from Co. Sligo became the first millionaire of the special raffle after purchasing their winning ticket worth €1,005,000 million in The Regional Stores, Ballinode.
The winner, who wishes to keep their win private, spoke of their shock when they realised they’d won the life-changing prize.
They said: “I was walking around with this ticket in my pocket for a full week not realising how much it was worth!
“I couldn’t believe it when I was told it was over €1million! You know, you always dream about winning but you never think it’s actually going to be you.
“I’ve no big plans yet for the money but it’s definitely going to take the pressure off as the cost of living has gone so expensive.”
The second millionaire in the special draw was made on Friday, August 12, when a player from Co. Tipperary purchased the winning quick pick ticket worth €1 million online or through the National Lottery App.
The winner, who also wishes to keep their win private, is looking forward to celebrating with family.
They said: “When I found out I’d just become a millionaire, I had to sit down! I just couldn’t get my head around it, I still can’t!
“I’m looking forward to taking the family on a well- deserved holiday. We’re thinking of maybe going to Dubai and doing it a proper 5-star luxury style holiday.”
A National Lottery spokesperson said: “What a month it’s been for Irish players this August, which saw one massive Lotto Jackpot win and four new millionaires made in the special EuroMillions ‘Ireland Only Raffle’ draw.
“We are asking all our players in Galway and Kildare to check their National Lottery accounts and tickets to see if they are the winners of the EuroMillions ‘Ireland only Raffle’ draws on Friday 19th and 26th of August.
“Both players should contact our prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their prizes.”
READ NEXT:
Two teenage boys die in 'tragic drowning incident' in Co Derry Lake
Thousands face energy bill hikes as deadline for meter readings just weeks away
Met Eireann pinpoints abrupt end of 'back-to-school' weather with rain and thunderstorms
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
