£77m prize winner in hiding

30 November -0001

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The Lucky irishwoman who scooped a £77 million jackpot on last weeks EuroMillions lottery has issued a statement through her solicitor, appealing for space and privacy.

Dolores McNamara, 50, from Garryowen, County Limerick, is said to be Devastated by the win, and to have gone into hiding, over security fears.

However, However, Paula McEvoy, from the National Lottery, said: “We have had no formal contact from any winner claiming the prize, we have had a statement from a Limerick solicitor stating they are working on behalf of the winner.”

Paula McEvoy of the National Lottery said: bear in mind the winner has 90 days from Friday to collect their prize. We are hoping the winner will make contact today. There is quite a buzz around the office everyone is anticipating winners or anyone coming in. It really is nice that the prize has gone to Ireland."

Ms McEvoy said she would not be surprised if Ms McNamara fails to claim her winnings for several days.

Patsy Collins, a friend of the McNamara family said: "she'll have to get insurance against kidnapping, which is what very rich people do."

In The Track pub in Garryowen, where Dolores had initially partied the night away after learning of her massive win on Friday, regulars asked themselves whether the win was really as much of a joy as it first appeared.

"She used to love coming in here for a drink with her friends," Patsy added

But Dolores McNamara has ridden her luck well so far. It emerged yesterday she was just yards from the bomb blast in Kusudasi which killed 17-year-old Tara Whelan two weeks ago.

Mrs McNamara had been staying at her holiday home in the Turkish resort at the time, and escaped unscathed.

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