'Look at us now' - Waterford syndicate hail small change following €4m Lotto jackpot win

There were celebrations at Lottery HQ this week as a long-running Waterford syndicate collected their life-changing Lotto jackpot worth an incredible €4,038,720.

The group, who have been playing together for over 20 years, struck gold in the April 19 draw with a Quick Pick ticket bought at Tramore Post Office.

Speaking at National Lottery HQ in Dublin, the head of the syndicate revealed the charming way he shared the news with the rest of the group: “When I found out we won, my first thought was, wouldn’t it be fun to tell the group about the win by writing them each a postcard from somewhere in the sun!”

The players say they switched to Quick Pick tickets a few years ago after years of picking their own numbers brought no luck.

“We’ve been doing Quick Pick tickets the last few years after one member said that picking our own numbers wasn’t getting us anywhere, so then, it was time to change – look at us now!” one syndicate member said with a smile.

While the group hasn’t made any big spending plans just yet, they say they’re looking forward to sharing the win with their loved ones, and have already picked up tickets for the next draw with hopes still high.

Next through the door was a Donegal player who scooped the EuroMillions Plus top prize of €500,000 in the 25th April draw. Their winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased from Callaghan’s XL, Main Street, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

“I saw the news announcing the latest win was in the town and in the shop where I had bought my ticket! I had this gut feeling that it could be me, even before I checked my ticket. I was already spending the prize money in my head!”

"I couldn’t bring myself to check my numbers – I was enjoying the dream of winning too much. However, my partner couldn’t listen to me anymore and insisted I check the numbers. It was the most surreal moment of my life when I realised, I was actually holding the winning ticket.”

While the Donegal player had dreamt about spending the prize money, they are now looking forward to celebrating the win and hopes to book a nice trip, or two, in the near future.

Last in line was a Dubliner who won the Lotto Plus 1 top prize of €250,000 in the April 16 draw. Their winning ticket was purchased from Dunnes Stores in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

“The queue was nice and short the day I went into the shop, so I decided to buy my ticket there – thankfully it turned out to be the winning ticket!” the winner exclaimed.

With their newfound fortune, the Dublin player is excitedly planning holidays with friends and family, ready to make unforgettable memories.

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