"There's a lot of millionaires from the Lotto around town and no one knows who they are. "There's a rumour of a lad, 19 or 20, but those are just rumours. "They'll definitely keep quiet or they would be plagued I'd say," he said. John added that he has no idea of the true identity of the €19 million ticketholder and he doubts the winner will ever be revealed. "People have been posting stupid stuff and joking about the National Lottery headquarters and things like that but it's a bit of craic." "It was good aul craic for a while but we're getting fed up of it now. "The Sunday here was mental with people calling in here thinking we had won it," he said. The winning ticket was sold in Laura’s XL in Castlebar. The syndicate had entered the record draw and spent around €190 on tickets but only reaped a €33 reward on the night. Laura Scriney, owner of Laura’s XL, celebrates with family and staff, as well as Lotto presenter Nuala Carey and (left) Jim O’Connor, regional sales manager at the National Lottery. John said the interview prompted people to believe the pub was part of the win and locals began beeping horns as they passed by. "We kind of hesitated at first but then we said we would do it and it got blown out of all proportion outside with everyone thinking we had won but we hadn't even checked our tickets by then." "A man just came in and asked to use the bathroom, but he was from RTE and he asked us to do an interview outside with Eileen Magnier. Sandi Toksvig (above) returns to the presenter’s chair with what’s been described as. We were caught on the hop on Sunday morning after the Lotto. This clever clogs panel show has been on the go for some time as this is season 20. When asked by the Irish Mirror if Bungalow Bar had scooped the record prize, he said: "I'm afraid not. However, John Scott, who manages the pub with his family, said the truth is that the bar's syndicate of 39 members had to settle with a €33 win rather than €19 million. "Officials from the National Lottery will travel to Castlebar on Wednesday January 19 to officially announce the winning store.The Bungalow Bar in Castlebar, Co Mayo. "The National Lottery has confirmed that the Castlebar ticket holder, who has become Ireland's largest ever Lotto jackpot winner has made contact and arrangements are now being made for their prize to be paid. "The winner truly is the luckiest player in Ireland now and we wish them all the very best with their win."Ī statement from The National Lottery added: "The National Lottery is delighted to reveal that the record breaking Lotto jackpot win of €19.06 million on Saturday 15th January was sold at Laura's XL store in Castlebar, Co. Laura said: "There's great excitement, so I think there's a few photos now and maybe Champagne."Īfter the announcement on Tuesday Laura said: "Saturday night was such a huge draw and one that’s been the talk of the town for the week now so we are absolutely over the moon to have played a part in this. Representatives from XL and the National Lottery have gathered at the shop to hand over the prize and possibly pop some Champagne to celebrate. I'll look after the staff, and after that, we'll see." Everything is happening so fast."Īsked what she would do with the shop's winnings, Laura said she had no idea yet but will make sure to look after her staff. She said: "I've been told there's a prize given to the shop as well, but to be honest, I haven't had time to think about it.
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