The Irish man who won a half share in the Euromillions jackpot last week says his win was a mistake. The young man from the south east of the country collected his cheque for €12.8 million today and admitted he had marked the number '32' on his playslip in error.
That small flick of a pen helped him beat the odds of 1 in 176 million to earn the multi-million jackpot. "I wouldn't mind making a few more of those mistakes" joked the winner, who wishes to remain anonymous.
He won the prize in the September 6th draw and shares €25.6 million with a player in Spain. He says he plans to invest his fortune wisely and "to be sure I can take care of my family for many years to come".
The regular player becomes Ireland's fifth EuroMillions jackpot winner since the game began here in 2004.
"It's a dream come true" he said. "I can't even begin to imagine all the opportunities that are now open to me. I'm still getting used to saying: 'I'm a millionaire.' But you know what, 'I'm a multi millionaire' It sure sounds good" he added.
Irish players seem to be on a winning streak in the EuroMillions game. Last June a player who bought a lucky ticket in Mace Beaumont in Dublin scooped €94 million. Limerick's Dolores McNamara continues to hold the record for the largest win which came in at over €115 million in 2005.
In July 2008, a €15 million winning ticket was sold in Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary while a €29.4 million jackpot winning ticket was sold in Dublin in June 2009.
