Lucky Mayo family hits €11m Lotto jackpot

A family living in a remote Mayo farming and fishing community won €11 million in the weekend National Lottery draw, one of the largest jackpots to date.

The lucky winners live in Ballyglass, Belmullet, Co Mayo, near the extreme northwest tip of the county and revealed their good fortune to a reporter who called to their door yesterday afternoon. But they did not wish to discuss the windfall just yet.

A shocked Martin and Evelyn McIntyre and their family are just trying to get used to being millionaires.

“We are not making any comment . . . we haven’t taken this in yet,” a man who answered the door at the family home said.

The lucky McIntyres were described by Kilmore Erris parish priest Fr Kevin Hegarty as “modest and unassuming”.

At Sunday Mass earlier in Carne Church, Fr Hegarty told the congregation he understood someone from the area had won the lottery.

Without naming the family, Fr Hegarty continued: “I am sure all of us will rejoice in the great news. I hope it will bring them joy throughout their lives.”

The winning ticket, a €4 quickpick, was purchased by a family member in Brogan’s Eurospar, Belmullet, on Friday.

Shopowner Annette Howard said: “Big news. Mad, isn’t it? We have had a few small wins in the Lotto, a few thousand euro, nothing like this.”

News of the family’s big win generated great excitement throughout Erris. The winning couple have a large family, some of them abroad, and it is understood the family members are preparing to come home for a celebration.

The last big lottery winner was Kinsale, Co Cork postman Pat Broderick. He won €7 million – half the €14 million jackpot – in March this year. The other winner wished to remain anonymous.

The win had given a “great lift to everyone” in Belmullet, said Ms Brogan. “Things are tough out there . . . this is just great for everyone’s spirits. We’re all delighted.”