€500k only a ‘top-up’, say two-time Lottery winners

IT could be you, they tell us, but did you ever think that it could it be you twice?

One lucky couple have just scooped their second National Lottery win in five years.

However, while many of us could get lost in daydreams about winning €500,000, this couple, who have never gone public, were much more nonchalant: “Sure it’s only a top-up,” they smiled.

Back in 2006, you see, the lucky couple won over €6.5 million.

The couple, who retired after the first win and moved from Dublin to a dream home in Co Meath, were already planning a big holiday to Australia later this year.

Now they have a bit more spending money.

Last time around, it was Mr Lucky who bought the golden ticket, this time it was Ms Lucky.

“It’s a real surprise to win again,” she said.

“My partner had all the luck the last time because it was his ticket — this win’s all mine. Sure, it’s only a top-up, five years on, but I’m looking forward to thinking about how I’ll spend it — or save it.”

The winning ticket, a €9 Quickpick, was bought at JR’s First Stop in the Ashbourne Town Centre in Co Meath last Tuesday.

It secured the top prize in that night’s €500,000 Euro-Millions Plus draw. The couple’s last win was in December 2006 when they scooped the entire Lotto jackpot — and divided it between them a week later.

“I bought my usual Lotto ticket in the Centra shop in Finglas for that 2006 draw,” said Mr Lucky.

“When I went to the shop the next morning and checked the ticket, I had to go sick from work, I got such a fright. But it all worked out grand. I was able to look after my family, and my partner looked after hers; we have a lovely life after that.

“We took early retirement and moved to the country, where we’ve lived ever since, and it really changed our lives, big time, for the better.”