Irish ticket holder scoops record-breaking €175 million EuroMillions jackpot
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Irish ticket holder scoops record-breaking €175 million EuroMillions jackpot

A LUCKY ticket-holder in Ireland has won an eye-watering EuroMillions jackpot of €175 million (£153m), the biggest in the Emerald Isle's history.

Tuesday night's winning numbers were 01, 08, 18, 19 and 39, while the lucky stars were 09 and 07.

The Irish National Lottery tweeted: "Players of Ireland - Check your tickets!

"Someone just matched all numbers & stars on tonight's draw winning a massive €175,475,380 and set a new record for the biggest win in National Lottery history."

The winner is now worth more than the likes of pop superstars Ed Sheeran (£80m) and Adele (£145m), according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List.

The jackpot tops the €115m (£99m) won by Dolores McNamara, from Co. Limerick, in July 2005.

Last month, a couple from Northern Ireland scooped almost £115m in the New Year's Day EuroMillions draw.

Frances and Patrick Connolly, from Co. Armagh, won the jackpot in a lucky dip - making them the fourth biggest winners in UK lotto history.

Speaking about the latest EuroMillions big win, Irish National Lottery chief executive Dermot Griffin said the shop in the Republic where the ticket was bought would not be revealed for a few days as per normal procedure.

"We are advising our players to check their tickets and if they are the winner sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact National Lottery HQ and we will guide you through the claims process," he said.

"Whilst this is a massive win it can come as a shock to a player and we advise them to stay calm, get good independent legal and financial advice and contact us as soon as they can.

"This has been an incredibly lucky period for players on the island of Ireland.

"The luck of the Irish is definitely in the air."

The EuroMillions jackpot had rolled over for several weeks and was close to reaching the maximum payout cap of €190m (£165 million).