Staff at the Gala shop in Darcy’s Filling Station, Mount Lucas, Daingean, were delighted to hear their store had sold an All Cash Surprise scratch card worth €150,000.

Staff at Midlands shop celebrate sale of €150,000 scratch card

Adrian Cusack

Published: Fri 26 Apr 2024, 4:34 PM

Last updated: Fri 26 Apr 2024, 6:16 PM

Staff at a shop in Offaly have been celebrating its sale of a €7 scratch card which ended up winning the lucky purchaser €150,000.

The All Cash Surprise scratch card, which won the maximum prize possible, was sold last Saturday afternoon at the Gala store in Darcy’s Filling Station in Mount Lucas, Daingean.

A statement issued this afternoon on behalf of the National Lottery quoted the lucky winner who said they had a feeling they could win big at some point, but didn't expect it on the day it happened.

"I have to say I've been very lucky in the past with scratch cards. Around a year ago I won €1,000, and just a few months ago I won €10,000. For some reason, I just felt that I could have another win and here I am.

"The old saying that good things come in threes really has proved true here.

"I am a strong believer in positive thinking and believing that good things will happen. Lots of people always say they don’t think they'll win, but sure that’s not the attitude to have, you have to think positive and good will happen!"

The winner added: "As much as I had a feeling a win could happen at some stage, I was in no way prepared for it.

"I don't really have anything in mind, and it doesn't feel real just yet.

"Finally having the cheque in my hand and seeing the zeroes definitely helps but, for now, I am going to let this sink in properly and then I'll have a think of what to do. It's certainly a nice problem to have, that’s for sure!”

Pictured at the celebrations in the Darcy's Gala store in Mountlucas, Daingean were Grace Kelly, Tom Darcy and Sharon Bracken. Pic: Paul Molloy / Mac Innes Photography

Speaking to the Offaly Independent this week, shop owner Tom Darcy said the ticket was sold to a mother and daughter who bought it, along with some ice cream, on Saturday last around 3pm.

They validated the ticket with a member of staff, who advised them to contact National Lottery Support following their win.

The pair scratched the card outside the store after it was purchased but were confused when they went in to validate it, before receiving confirmation of the win.

Mr Darcy said that they were "shocked" and that they're very nice people so everyone was happy for them.

He added that they were regular customers who come to the shop a couple of times a week.