The moment the shop that sold the winning €250m EuroMillions ticket found out
Having drip-fed information about the momentous win since Tuesday night's draw - first that it was won in Munster, then that it was sold in Cork - on Friday morning, the National Lottery revealed that the ticket was sold at Clifford's Centra on Shandon Street in Cork city centre in the days before the draw.
The National Lottery released a brief snippet of the phone call with an as yet unidentified staff member confirming the news on social media on Friday morning.
Having been told the news, the staff member replied: 'Ah this is a wind up, is it? You're joking me.'
Asked how it felt to be the store that sold the ticket for the biggest jackpot win in EuroMillions history, he replied: 'Ah, that's great news. I'm just gutted it wasn't me that bought it!'
The historic win marks a first for the Rebel County and is the largest prize ever claimed in Ireland since EuroMillions launched here in 2004. It is also the 18th time an Irish player has landed the jackpot.
After days of speculation and excitement, the National Lottery confirmed that the lucky winner has made contact with their Prize Claims team, officially ending the guessing game.
Spokesperson Emma Monaghan said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have heard from our EuroMillions winner. At this point, our priority is to give them the necessary time and space to make arrangements and let this life-changing news sink in."
A photocall will take place at Clifford's Centra at 11am Friday morning - follow live updates here.
The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
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