A wave of excitement is sweeping across Ireland after two Lotto players struck it lucky over the weekend, claiming prizes totaling over €424,000. The National Lottery has issued an appeal to players in County Cork and County Mayo to check their tickets, as one winner is holding a ticket worth €375,000, while another secured a prize of €49,066. The news comes as the Lotto jackpot rolls towards an estimated €5 million for Wednesday night’s draw, further fueling the national anticipation.
The larger prize, a substantial €375,000, was won by a player in County Mayo who matched five numbers in the Six Number Game of the Lotto 5-4-3-2-1 Plus Two draw. According to the National Lottery, the winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased at Centra, Station Road, Castlebar, on Saturday, March 28th. This particular game allows players to select how many numbers they wish to play – from one to five – and is based on the results of the main Lotto, Lotto Plus 1, and Lotto Plus 2 draws. The top prize for a six-number game is €125,000, but the Mayo winner’s €3 ticket tripled that amount.
Lucky Numbers and the Appeal for Claimants
The winning numbers for Saturday’s main Lotto draw were 12, 16, 19, 25, 43, and 46, with a bonus number of 11. The online Lotto player in County Cork matched five numbers plus the bonus, securing a prize of €49,066. The National Lottery is urging both winners to come forward and claim their prizes, emphasizing the life-changing potential of these winnings. Players are encouraged to check their tickets carefully, whether purchased in-store or online through the National Lottery website or app.
The Lotto 5-4-3-2-1 Plus Two draw yielded the winning numbers 07, 19, 36, 39, 41, and 47, with a bonus number of 21. The game offers varying prize tiers depending on the number of matches, with the top prize for a six-number game being €125,000 and €40,000 for a seven-number game. More details on how Lotto 5-4-3-2-1 works can be found on the National Lottery’s website.
Understanding the Lotto 5-4-3-2-1 Plus Two Game
Lotto 5-4-3-2-1 Plus Two is a supplementary game that runs alongside the main Lotto draws. Players can participate by selecting a number of numbers to play, ranging from one to five, across the Lotto, Lotto Plus 1, and Lotto Plus 2 games. This flexibility allows players to tailor their participation to their budget and risk appetite. The game’s structure provides multiple opportunities to win, with prizes awarded for matching varying numbers of the drawn numbers. The appeal of this game lies in its accessibility and the potential for significant returns on a relatively small investment.
Darragh O’Dwyer, a spokesperson for the National Lottery, expressed excitement over the weekend’s results. “What a Saturday night it has been for our Lotto and Lotto 5-4-3-2-1 Plus players!” he said in a statement. “A Mayo player won a total prize of €375,000 in the 6 number game in Lotto 5-4-3-2-1 Plus Two draw. And of course, that wasn’t our only big winner in Saturday night’s draws. An online player in Cork scooped €49,066 in the main Lotto draw. In total, over 82,000 players in Ireland won prizes in the Lotto and Lotto Plus draws.”
O’Dwyer further emphasized the importance of winners contacting the National Lottery’s Prize Claims team to arrange collection of their winnings. “Last night’s winners should now make contact with our Prize Claims team who will make arrangements for them to visit National Lottery Headquarters and collect their prize,” he stated. The process of claiming a significant Lotto prize typically involves verification of the ticket and identity, followed by a private consultation with Lottery officials to discuss payment options and financial advice.
With the jackpot for Wednesday’s Lotto draw climbing to an estimated €5 million, anticipation is building among players nationwide. Tickets can be purchased in-store at authorized retailers, through the National Lottery app, or online at www.lottery.ie. The cut-off time for ticket sales is 7:45 pm on Wednesday evening.
The National Lottery contributes significantly to good causes across Ireland. In 2023, the National Lottery raised over €293 million for vital projects in areas such as health, education, arts, and culture, as well as supporting national sporting organizations. More information on how National Lottery funds are allocated can be found on their website.
As the winners in Cork and Mayo begin to contemplate their newfound wealth, the National Lottery encourages all players to participate responsibly and to check their tickets carefully. The dream of winning the Lotto remains alive for many, and Wednesday’s draw offers another opportunity to turn that dream into a reality.
The next Lotto draw will take place on Wednesday, April 1st, with the jackpot estimated at €5 million. Players are reminded to purchase their tickets before the 7:45 pm deadline. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the recent wins and their own Lotto experiences in the comments below.
