A lucky punter from Meath became Ireland’s newest millionaire after scooping nearly €9 million on the National Lottery on Wednesday.
The multi-millionaire has yet to make contact with Lotto bosses and players have been encouraged to check their tickets carefully.
The winning numbers for the €€8,915,056 jackpot were 3, 8, 20, 24, 28, 29 and the bonus was 40.
READ MORE: Leo Varadkar's grim winter blackout warning as Dail hears energy crisis update from Tanaiste
Meath Cathaoirleach Nick Killian scrambled to check his own ticket after hearing about the windfall won in his county.
He told The Irish Mirror: “I better check me own ticket so. I’m an avid Lotto player, I play twice a week.
“I have to go to the Post Office and I’ll be going to check my Lotto ticket and if I win, I won’t be ringing you back.
“It’s a fabulous amount of money and I just hope whoever wins it spends it well and supports local causes and helps their families.”
He said the news that the bonanza is heading for the Royal County will lift spirits among locals following the death of Rory Mason in Ukraine in the Kharkiv Region, near the Russian border.
Mr Killian added: “I’m thrilled for whoever has won this money. As the first citizen of the county, I would like to congratulate them and wish them well and hope when they get the big cheque of €9million.
“They will be able to spend it and enjoy it.
“We’ve had sad stories within our county over the last two days. A young Dunboyne man dying in Ukraine at the war and another man badly injured as a result of the war.
“It’s a good news story and I hope it gives people heart to go forward.”
The National Lottery said Wednesday’s winner was the eight person to win the jackpot this year.
They also revealed more than 85,000 players won prizes in the Lotto and Lotto Plus draws on Wednesday.
Two players from Wexford and Monaghan matched five numbers and the bonus to split the €103,316 prize and walked away with €51,658.
A National Lottery spokesperson this morning said: “What a life-changing Wednesday night it was for one of our lucky players in Meath who now has a Lotto ticket worth over €8.9 million in their possession!
“It was a mega night of wins as two players from Wexford and matched 5 numbers and the bonus to scoop €51,658 each.
“This morning, we are appealing to all our players in Meath, Wexford and Monaghan to check their tickets carefully and if you are one of the winners, sign the back of the ticket and contact our prize claims team as soon as possible.
“This latest Meath winner is the 8th Lotto jackpot winner of the year and the 30th National Lottery millionaire of 2022.”
READ NEXT:
Ireland weather: Met Eireann forecast weather 'chaos' as 'thundery bursts' hurl through the country
Man arrested over Kerry funeral stabbing as gardaí piece together details of horror killing
Why you shouldn't turn your broadband on and off to save on electricity bills amid warning
Lucky escape for TD as thugs run at him and 'reach for weapon' during terrifying ordeal in Dublin
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
