Celebrations outside Garryduff XL Store this morning. Photo: John Mee Photography

Jackpot winner 'probably local'

DAWN broke to joyous celebrations in a normally quiet back street in Castlebar today (Tuesday) as news emerged that last Friday's €29 million Euromillions jackpot ticket had been sold in the local shop.

Umesh Kumar of the Garryduff XL Store and his wife, Rozalia, were beaming from ear to ear as they hung bunting, helped by officials from the National Lottery who made an overnight trip from Dublin down to Mayo in advance of the official 'big win' announcement.

Indian born Umesh said he had 'completely no idea' of who the lucky winner is but speculated that he or she is probably local because the majority of customers live within a mile radius of the shop.

It's great news for the whole community,” he enthused, adding: “We sell quite a few Lotto tickets here but we have no idea who the winner is. Whoever it is, congratulations.”

The Garryduff windfall, secured on a quickpick ticket, is the second Castlebar Euromillions jackpot win in three years.

A €15 million winning ticket was sold in Staunton's Costcutter Store on Main Street in April 2014.