Tributes paid to owner of Ireland’s luckiest lotto shop

TRIBUTES were paid last night following the death of a popular businessman who ran Ireland’s luckiest Lotto newsagents.

Pierce Hickey, 68, from Skibbereen in Co Cork, died in the early hours of yesterday morning after a short illness.

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather before him, Mr Hickey took over the running of Hickey’s newsagents in the town, which has been in the family for more than 80 years, over four decades ago.

In 2007, his shop sold a e4 million winning ticket, bringing to six the total number of bumper jackpot tickets sold by the outlet. There have been 11 Lotto jackpots won in Skibbereen in total.

It resulted in Hickey’s newsagents being crowned Ireland’s luckiest Lotto shop, and the town became known as Ireland’s lotto capital.

Mr Hickey, a prominent and respected member of the town’s business community, was also well known at national level.

A former president of the Newsagents’ Association ofIreland, he was honoured by the town council several years ago when be brought the association’s conference to the town.

Mr Hickey is survived by his wife Fionnghuala, and their children, Pierce, Clodagh and Sandra.

The remains will lie in repose from 4.30pm to 6.30pm today at Hurley’s funeral home on Market Street before removal to St Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by Requiem Mass at 7.30pm.

Burial will take place after Liturgy of the Word tomorrow at 2pm.