Cork Player Strikes Gold: Ireland’s Lottery Millionaire Trend Continues
A Cork player has turn into the latest Irish lottery winner, securing a life-changing €1,000,500 in Saturday’s Lotto Plus Raffle. This win marks the fourth National Lottery millionaire of 2026, highlighting a continuing trend of substantial prizes awarded to Irish players.
The Rise of Online Lottery Participation
The winning ticket was purchased online, a growing trend in lottery participation. The National Lottery reports an increasing number of players opting for the convenience of online platforms. This shift is likely driven by accessibility and the ease of automatic ticket purchases.
This win follows a recent Prize Bond win of €50,000 for another Leesider, demonstrating a consistent flow of lottery winnings within the region.
Beyond the Jackpot: Significant Wins Across the Country
While the Cork player secured the largest prize, the Saturday draw also saw significant wins for players in Kildare and Galway. Each won €42,191 in the main draw, showcasing that substantial prizes aren’t limited to the jackpot or raffle events.
Saturday night’s winning numbers were: 03, 05, 31, 37, 42, 46 and the bonus was 17. The winning Raffle number was 1725.
The Impact of the Lotto Plus Raffle
The Lotto Plus Raffle, which typically awards between 60 and 120 winners €500 each, was enhanced for this draw with the addition of the €1 million top-up prize. This demonstrates the National Lottery’s strategy of introducing special events to generate excitement and increase prize pools.
Funding Solid Causes: A Lottery Legacy
The National Lottery plays a vital role in funding good causes across Ireland. Nearly 30c of every €1 spent on the lottery is allocated to supporting sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage, and the Irish language. Over €6.5 billion has been raised for these causes since the lottery’s establishment 37 years ago, with €239.3 million raised in 2024 alone.
National Lottery spokesperson Sarah Orr encouraged the winners to contact the Prize Claims team to arrange collection of their winnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I claim a lottery prize?
Contact the National Lottery Prize Claims team at 1800 666222 or [email protected] to arrange collection of your prize at Lottery Headquarters.
What is the Lotto Plus Raffle?
The Lotto Plus Raffle is a draw where all tickets with the winning Raffle number win €500. Occasionally, special events like the one on March 14th add a larger top-up prize.
Where does the money from the National Lottery head?
Almost 30c of every €1 spent on the National Lottery goes back to good causes in Ireland, supporting various sectors like sport, youth, and health.
What should I do if I think I’ve won a large prize?
Contact the National Lottery Prize Claims team immediately to begin the claim process.
Pro Tip: Always check your tickets carefully, even if you don’t think you’ve won. Many smaller prizes go unclaimed each year!
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