Bitter sweet Lotto bonanza

Two brothers who lost their father a month before Christmas were among the four members of the Attymon syndicate who claimed a €2.6 million Lotto jackpot on Saturday night.

Sean and Gerard Murphy live close to the pub owned by fellow syndicate members Donald McGann and his son Paul, a well known vet in the area.

The farmers, who come from a large family, were said to have been thrilled with their win, but it was somewhat of an emotional experience for the brothers as they and the rest of their family are still grieving the loss of their elderly father who passed away recently.

John Joe Murphy was in his 98th year when he passed away in late November and is survived by his wife Bernadette.

But the New Year will bring better fortune for the brothers and their fellow syndicate members with all four intending to travel to Dublin later this week to collect their winnings which equates to almost €667,000 apiece.

And since word of their good fortune spread throughout the local area, they have all been inundated with congratulations from their neighbours and friends.

The syndicate of four were the only winners of the Lotto jackpot and according to family sources, there have not been any major celebrations.

Donald McGann along with his wife Margie and five children have received a lot of callers since it became known that they were part of the syndicate. Donald has operated the pub and foodstore in Attymon for almost 20 years and his son Padraic told The Connacht Tribune that he and Paul were taking their win in their stride.

The syndicate purchased a €16 ticket at Richard Burke’s newsagents on Northgate Street, Athenry and the owner and staff celebrated by popping open the champagne when they were informed that the winning ticket was purchased in their shop.

This latest Lotto win comes hot on the heels of the €9.7 million jackpot which was scooped by Carnmore mother of two Siobhan Greaney.

In 1989 Rita Power from Portumna became the first Lotto millionaire and since then Galway has produced several millionaires - and that good fortune continues with the latest jackpot for Attymon.