Farmer who won £150m on EuroMillions compared it to 'being in prison'
The biggest EuroMillions win in history has been claimed recently, with one lucky punter in Cork, Ireland bagging a whopping €250million (£215m). A National Lottery spokesperson commented that they're giving the winner time to "let this life-changing win sink in".
Yet, a former record holder, Matt Rogers, once disclosed the weighty reality of winning such a mammoth prize, suggesting it's not all joy. The Dublin farmer and his eight siblings scooped up an eye-watering €175.4m (approx £151m) in February 2019. However, shortly after their win, he implied that the windfall was somewhat of a mixed blessing.
Surrounded by media at his humble farmstead, Matt remarked: "I was happy at the start but now with all this... [people calling in]... it's like being in prison. It's just a lot to take in."
In a strikingly honest exchange, Matt mentioned his sister warned him "not to say anything" – and when quizzed about joining a press conference with his siblings, he simply shrugged, responding: "There will be something next week alright."
He then retreated back into his rural abode. Onlookers might have taken away a valuable lesson – instant millions don't guarantee everlasting bliss.
Indeed, often it's life's simpler pleasures that count. That was demonstrated by the understa by Matt and his siblings, including Christine Rogers and Kathleen Sheridan, in their understated celebrations.
Rather than splash out on anything too flashy or out of character, the pair celebrated their windfall with a modest €12.50 carvery meal.
Kathleen, who also said the win was "a lot to take in", used her portion of the prize to purchase a Mazda CX-5 – a step up from her previous Mazda2.
Minted Matt, who treated himself to a Peugeot SUV instead of a Lamborghini, demonstrated his modest nature by refusing to abandon his farmhouse.
While renovating the property, he chose to live in an outbuilding rather than splash out on luxurious temporary accommodation.
The humble farmer told the Irish Sun it was "perfect" staying put because that's where he'd grown up alongside his siblings, and he felt no desire to find another home.
The proud Dubliner revealed he no longer participates in the EuroMillions, believing it was someone else's chance to have their life transformed.
That's precisely what occurred last month, and offering guidance to the mystery winner, he encouraged them to remain "grounded" and said: "I hope they enjoy the money. Hopefully it [€250m) is well split up." The latest EuroMillions winner has, at the time of writing, remained anonymous.
However, we do know the winning ticket was purchased at Clifford's Centra on Shandon Street in Cork. The shop is set to pocket a cool €25,000 (£21.5k) for selling the lucky ticket, and Anne O'Sullivan, a seasoned cashier at the establishment, couldn't contain her excitement: "Hearing it was won around the area was fantastic, I don't care who won it, as long as it was won around the area. It doesn't make any difference but I hope a syndicate won it, is it too much money for one person?
"What would I do with the money? I'd have to book in somewhere and get someone to advise me, I've a big family and I'd want to make them all happy."
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