A woman who danced into the National Lottery HQ today as a retirement syndicate collected a €1million cheque joked that they're just getting used to it and vowed: "We're coming back for more."
The "Young At Heart" group for OAPs - that have members right into their 80s - scooped the top prize in the Daily Million draw last month after buying the ticket in their local shop at Turlough Stores in Mayo.
But the joyous occasion was also tinged with some sadness as their long-time member and friend Christy Lawless, who's wife was in the lucky ticket group, passed away in September.
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Earlier today, over 40 of the 47-strong syndicate made the trip from Mayo to Dublin by train.
They then were collected on a bus there and made their way to the National Lottery offices on Abbey Street in the capital.
Each member walked into the building with The Green and Red of Mayo playing as they enjoyed drinks and food before posing for pictures.
Breda O'Boyle danced into the building shouting "Up Mayo" and calling herself Samantha, saying that she'll change her name back when her team brings back Sam Maguire to the west.
Asked about the win, which will see each member get about €21,200 each, Breda said: "We're just getting used to it. We're coming back for more."
She and her friends were out walking the bog when they found out about the news, which she thought could have been a joke at first.
She explained: "One of our friends, Kathleen O'Hora, phoned me up.
"I was going to go around the bog with a few friends for a four mile walk, we do it nearly every morning now that we're retirees.
"She said 'Breda' and as soon as she said that I said 'Kathleen where the hell are you, are you not out here on the walk with us.'
"She said 'no', she was ill in bed. But she said 'you are at least €20,000 richer.
"I thought it was a joke because she's always good at pulling the jokes.
"I said nothing, walked around the bog, there was a sweat and I thought I was going through the change again.
"And the next day, that's when it was confirmed."
She joked: "So we've been dancing since and partying and we'll have only loose change left by the time we collect this."
Breda also explained that she has been getting texts from her children who want in on some of the prize money.
She said: "I'm not great at reading texts on the phone but I got three texts back, saying "I'm your favourite son" and blah blah blah. 'I'll bring in turf for you each morning.'"
Breda then proceeded to invite journalists on a holiday up to the west of Ireland.
She added: "All you have to do is bring your own tents. We'll water and feed you."
Theresa Flanagan, who's 86 next week, said she was going to get a new pair of boots and a new watch with her winnings.
Others are planning to spoil loved ones at Christmas while some are planning holidays of a lifetime.
Mary Mahon was also part of the celebrations yesterday but she paid tribute to Christy Lawless who was the group's photographer.
Christy passed away in early September and his wife, also named Mary, could not make it to the bash yesterday.
Mary Mahon told us: "We also have to mention Mary Lawless today who's not with us because her husband died a few weeks ago.
"Mary is going to get her money. Christy was part of the group for years and he captured everything, a great photographer, a huge loss to us and he died in September.
"And Mary helped out with the Lotto. It puts a bit of a dampener on it."
Maureen Murphy added: "She will be back to us we hope."
Speaking about the "Young At Heart" group, which gathers in their Mayo community every Thursday, Maureen said: "We're a small community. It's very good.
"We're all enjoying it now, we're all happy.
"And all our family will be looking out to see what we've to give and if we have anything. It's not an awful big amount.
"It's a nice amount and sometimes it's better."
Michael Cosgrove has been organising the syndicate since it started seven years ago.
He explained that he had to sign forms and produce all 47 IDs yesterday before he is to get the money into his account and he will then send a cheque to each person.
And Michael explained that it has helped some of the members who have been badly hit by the Cost of Living crisis.
He said: "It's made a lot of difference. Some people have said to me that it's made a lot of difference coming up to Christmas.
"And when you think about it, isn't it nicer to see 47 happy people with €21,000 than one with one million. I'm so happy for them."
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