€94m winner’s identity as elusive as the full story of the banking collapse

The financial woes caused by the “stars” of the Anglo tapes which have afflicted an entire nation will no longer be troubling one lucky Irish citizen who scooped almost €94m in Tuesday’s Euromillions draw.

However, the identity of the holder of the life-changing ticket remains as elusive as the complete story of Ireland’s banking collapse following a day of speculation where the ticket was sold. Sallins, Blanchardstown, and Carlow all featured in the frame as the location of Ireland’s newest millionaire as social media websites cranked into overdrive.

However, the National Lottery put a geographical dampener on such excitement by confirming the winning ticket was sold in Dublin after the anonymous winner had made contact.

A spokesperson said the ticket had been verified. However, the National Lottery will not be in a position to pay out the jackpot until next week.

The winner wished to remain private “for the moment”.

Advice was offered by Pat Broderick, the former postman from Kinsale, Co Cork, who won €7m on the Lotto in 2011. He urged the winner to keep a low profile and let the dust settle before collecting their jackpot. And he also said getting expert investment advice from someone they trust would be crucial.

“I was lucky but this win is in a different league altogether. I wish them all the luck in the world,” said Pat, who realised with his own good fortune that he could not remain anonymous.

“Kinsale is a small town and I knew it would eventually come out,” said Pat who admits to now enjoying life by playing golf, walking, road bowling, and fishing.

On his Lotto win, he said: “It certainly changed my life for the better but I don’t think I’ve changed.”

With a prize fund that would even impress Anglo bosses, the winner might afford themselves a bottle of wine in recognition of the week’s events.