A thrilling success story unfolded on Saturday night as a Lotto player came tantalizingly close to winning a massive jackpot of €2.3 million, narrowly missing out by just one number. Despite falling short of the grand prize, the player still managed to secure a substantial five-figure sum of €73,741 after matching five numbers plus the bonus in the main Lotto draw. The almost-winning ticket holder was just a hair’s breadth away from becoming Ireland’s newest millionaire, showcasing the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the lottery.
The Near Miss
The heart-pounding moment occurred during the Saturday night draw on January 4, where the winning numbers were revealed as 05, 10, 13, 36, 37, 46, with the bonus number being 39. Over 67,000 players participated in the draw, with the lucky almost-winner managing to grab the Match 5 + Bonus prize, bringing home a significant cash prize despite not hitting the jackpot.
Additional Wins
In addition to the main Lotto draw, players also had the chance to win big in the Lotto Plus 1 and Lotto Plus 2 draws, with jackpots of €1 million and €250,000 up for grabs respectively. While the top prizes went unclaimed, several players walked away with substantial winnings by matching five correct numbers in each draw.
Claim Your Prize
The National Lottery is urging all participants to check their tickets carefully, as they could be among the 67,000 individuals who won prizes in Saturday’s draws. The fortunate recipient of the Match 5 + Bonus prize of €73,741 is advised to sign the back of their ticket and contact the National Lottery Claims team promptly to arrange for the prize to be claimed. Remember, if you have a winning ticket purchased in-store, ensure to claim your prize within 90 days of the draw date to avoid missing out on your winnings.
This heartwarming tale serves as a reminder that luck can strike at any moment, turning a near-miss into a significant win. So, next time you purchase a Lotto ticket, who knows, you might just be the next almost-winner who ends up striking it big!