Ger from Newtowncashel, Co. Longford wins €1,292,228

It’s been a whirlwind week for Bord na Móna worker Ger Hand from Newtowncashel, Co. Longford.  A chain of events led him to play Lotto on Saturday last, and it’s a good thing he did, as he won €1,292,228!

Ger was in the town of Lanesboro, Co. Longford last Saturday, 13 April 2013, and, as a gesture of goodwill, gave a parking spot to a mother.  He ended up finding a parking space outside O’Brien’s Corner House, and looked up to see the Lotto sign, which reminded him to play.

“It’d been a while since I’d done Lotto”, said Ger. “I’d €2 in my pocket, left over from buying a soft drink, so I added that onto a €10 ticket.  I’m glad I did as that final line was the winner!”

Ger woke up on Sunday morning and just had a feeling that he’d won the Lotto, “I said to my wife, ‘Ann Hand, you are talking to a millionaire’!”

Ger has enjoyed celebrating the wonderful news all week with the local community and it culminated this afternoon as he collected his big cheque at National Lottery offices. Ger was accompanied by his close family, including his delighted wife Ann and daughters, Ann-Marie (16) and Laura (10).

He described the feeling of winning like “walking on air”.  He plans to enjoy his winnings but will remain in his job with Bord na Móna.