A Centra store in the heart of Cork city has become the focus of national attention after it was revealed as the seller of the winning ticket for the record €250 million EuroMillions jackpot.
The National Lottery confirmed today that the lucky ticket was purchased at Clifford’s Centra, located at 91 Shandon Street. The identity of the winner remains a mystery, but lottery officials say the ticketholder made contact on Wednesday, ending days of speculation.
Shop owner Ted Clifford shared his excitement on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, saying the news came as a huge surprise. “There’s a great buzz around the place. We were told yesterday and the mood ever since has been incredible,” he said.
Clifford, who runs the store that has been in his family for three generations, said it wasn’t the first time luck struck the shop. On New Year’s Eve last year, they sold a €100,000 winning ticket to a local customer. “That might have been the start of our lucky streak,” he joked.
Although shops don’t receive a share of the jackpot, the National Lottery awards a €25,000 bonus to the retailer responsible for selling the winning ticket. Clifford said the staff plan to mark the moment with a well-earned celebration.
Asked whether he had any idea who the jackpot winner might be, Clifford admitted it was anyone’s guess. “It’s a busy shop — people are coming and going all day long, buying lottery tickets.”
He added: “We’d just like to send our heartfelt congratulations to the winner and their family. I hope it brings them happiness and good fortune.”
The €250 million prize, won on Tuesday, is the largest ever claimed in Ireland and the 18th EuroMillions jackpot to be won in the country.
