For the second time in its lucky existence, the popular family-run Kelly’s Costcutter in Foynes has sold a multimillion euro winning lottery ticket.
Run by hardworking brother-and-sister Eoin and Trisha, the store sold last Wednesday’s Lotto jackpot-winning ticket worth over €11 million. In 2006, the long-established outlet sold a €10 million-winning EuroMillions ticket.
The winner back then wished to remain anonymous (although their identity later became common knowledge), and it appears a similar situation this time around. Speculation is rife as to who is Limerick’s newest lottery millionaire.
A spokesperson for The National Lottery, however, has confirmed that the lucky ticket holder has been in contact and the process of collecting their massive winnings is underway.
He added: “This is an absolute dream start to 2023 for one of our players in Co. Limerick. In the past 12 months, we have seen an incredible 19 millionaires made in the Lotto game alone, but this is certainly one of the biggest!”
Said an overjoyed Trisha: “Big lottery wins are always a huge boost to local stores and their communities, and Foynes is no different. When we had the big EuroMillions win in 2006, it was literally all the local community could talk about for months and it was just fantastic. We are a tight-knit area here and I would guess that the majority of our customers are local. I know that the entire community will be thrilled for the winner, whoever he or she is.”
Although home now following a deserved family break in Florida, Eoin missed out on the early celebrations. “His timing could not have been worse, and I know he is gutted to miss out but I’m sure he will make up for it.”
Trisha – herself also a well-established outside caterer – and Eoin – a retained firefighter with Limerick City and County Council – only took over the running of the store from their Mayo-born parents Vincent and Breda almost five years ago. The Kellys are well-known in business circles, as Vincent’s brother Conal, along with his wife Mary, are owners of the landmark Bulgaden Castle Gastro Pub, near Kilmallock, since 1972.
The winning store receives a modest €15,000 as a bonus from The National Lottery, and no doubt a lot of new millionaire-seeking customers!
Limerick’s lucky streak continued on Saturday when Hayes’ Mace of Ballylanders sold a winning Lotto ticket (match 5, plus bonus) worth €195,000. (See story on page 28).