Latest news with #LuckyDip
Hans India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
TTD Announces Tirumala Darshan and Room Booking Dates for October
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has officially unveiled the schedule for the release of Tirumala Srivari Darshan and room quotas for the month of October. The ticket release dates are as follows: - Arjitha Seva tickets will be available online from 10 am on July 19. - E-Seva Lucky Dip registration is open until 10 am on July 21, with payment for Lucky Dip tickets accepted until noon on July 23. - The special services ticket release, including Kalyanotsavam, Oonjal Seva, Arjitha Brahmotsavam, Sahasradeepalankara Seva, and Pushpayagam, will begin at 10 am on July 22. - Angapradakshina tokens will be released on July 23 at 10 am. - The Srivani Trust online quota will become available on July 23 at 11 am. - Free special darshan for the elderly, disabled, and chronically ill individuals will be offered from 3 pm on July 23. - Special entry darshan tickets priced at Rs. 300 will be released on July 24 at 10 am. - Room bookings for Tirumala and Tirupati will commence on July 24 at 3 pm.
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
National Lottery pays out £3.6m to group of Welsh strangers who found out with a text that said 'oh my f*****g god'
National Lottery pays out £3.6m to group of Welsh strangers who found out with a text that said 'oh my f*****g god' Ten years after forming a lottery syndicate and it has finally paid off Lottery syndicate, 'West Is Best Syndicate' from Bridgend have won an incredible £3.6 million at the EuroMillions (Image: National Lottery ) A Welsh lottery syndicate made up of almost strangers, from previous jobs and hobbies and the odd family member, have scooped a staggering £3.6 million on EuroMillions, transforming the lives of 16 people overnight. Against all odds, Friday 13th (June) proved lucky for the Bridgend-based group known as the 'West Is Best Syndicate', with each member receiving just over £212,000 from their £3,613,997 jackpot. Among them is Rhian Owen, 44, a train conductor from Ogmore Vale, who has been at the heart of the winning syndicate since it began a decade ago. It all started when she worked at Bridgend Council's West Hub - where the group got its name. "I just started doing it among a small group of friends in work" she explained. "Then it grew and got bigger." When she changed jobs a few years later, the numbers dropped off but in 2022, with a big jackpot looming, she decided to give it another go. She posted a status on Facebook asking if anyone fancied joining her syndicate and the responses poured in. "There's mostly ex-colleagues from the council, but my two sisters joined, a lady I worked with 20 years ago joined, and my former rugby coach also joined. It's a bit of a mixed bag!" The band of almost-strangers from Bridgend came together to celebrate their incredible win (Image: National Lottery ) Article continues below The group now has sixteen members, though seventeen shares as Rhian's sister plays two lines, giving her double the winnings. Every Friday, Rhian logs into her lottery account, buys seventeen Lucky Dip lines, takes screenshots of the tickets, and shares them in a Facebook Messenger group with the syndicate. The next day, she checks the results and shares any wins. Over the years, they'd had a steady stream of small prizes. "Loads of £2.80s," Rhian laughs. "I think the most we won one week was about £30 — and that was spread across different lines." That changed dramatically one early Saturday morning. Rhian's alarm went off around 5am for her shift. Still half-asleep, she glanced at her phone and noticed an email from the National Lottery. "It just said 'Rhian, you've won a prize,' which is normal. I get those all the time for a couple of quid." However, something must have felt different as Rhian felt the urge to check her phone again on her way to work. She decided to pull up outside of a shop to read the email. "Normally there's a blue line that says 'You've won £2.80' or something. But this time it said, 'Claim your prize.' At first, I thought it was just the new format. I'd updated the app the night before." However, when she clicked through, she was greeted by a sight that most people can only dream of; five numbers and the bonus ball lit up. "It was like trying to look at my phone underwater. I could see there were a lot of numbers, I knew it was big… but I couldn't take it in." The winning numbers for the draw were 2, 28, 40, 43, 45 and the Lucky Star numbers were 3 and 7. The syndicate's win was even more remarkable because the EuroMillions jackpot had reached its cap of £208M, meaning additional prize money from ticket sales rolled down into the next prize tier - significantly boosting their prize. The estimated prize for matching five main numbers and one Lucky Star in a draw without a roll down is £130,554.30. In contrast, the syndicate's £3.6M win is roughly 27 times higher. Rhian quickly sent a screenshot to her sister and called her. "Luckily she was awake, she'd checked her own tickets and seen nothing. But she'd also looked at the prize breakdown and knew there were UK winners and a pot of £3.6 million. I face called her straight away and said, 'Jane! We've won the lottery!' She didn't even say anything... she just put the phone down on me!" She rang back moments later to confirm it: £3.6 million, split between seventeen shares. "It worked out at around £212,000 each. It's lifechanging." Stay informed on Bridgend news by signing up to our newsletter here Despite the shock, Rhian actually went into work the morning she found out, though she only made it through half the shift. "I was all over the shop. There was no way I could wave in trains the way I was feeling! I phoned my manager and explained - he didn't believe me! He just said, 'No way!'" Wrapped up in a flurry of emotions, Rhian did manage to message the group chat to share the news and the reactions came flooding in. "Some of them I hadn't seen in years. People were saying, 'This couldn't have come at a better time.' Everybody's had some sort of hardship or gone through really bad times, and it's just amazing, everyone is so deserving of it." The group are made up of almost strangers, from previous jobs and hobbies (Image: National Lottery ) A single parent to three children - aged 15, 12, and five - Rhian knows how much this moment means. "I actually had my first holiday in eleven years a week after we won. It was an all-inclusive holiday, and I was going to borrow spending money off my sister because I hadn't managed to save it. But I didn't need to!" She's already started thinking about what comes next. "I've been to look at a new car because I need one. I need a new kitchen, new bathroom… so I'm going to make some home improvements. I'm also planning on taking the kids away again in October. And the family's got a big holiday planned for next year. It's just lush!" Rhian shared that her children are still trying to wrap their heads around the win and the fact that this has all become possible. "After I found out, I couldn't help but text my oldest while I was in work. I said, 'Can you keep a secret?'' Then I told him we'd won. He just replied, 'Ha ha very funny, what time you home, I'm starving.' I sent him a screenshot of the line and he was like, 'How did you do that?' He still didn't believe me!" After ten years of playing, the win came as a massive shock to members of the Welsh syndicate (Image: National Lottery ) Her daughter, out shopping with friends at the time, had a much different reaction. "I told her not to tell anyone, and she just said, 'Sorry, I told everyone, I couldn't help it.'" Yet, what came as a massive shock for her children, was something that Rhian had always believed in. "A few months ago I was in work with a colleague. He was talking about his wife playing the lottery and how much she spends on it. I told him I was guilty of the same. He asked, 'Why do you do it?' and I just said, 'Because I'm going to win.' He laughed. But that Saturday morning when he saw me, he just said, 'Oh my god — you were right!'" Maybe part of that belief came from the fact that she'd already seen it happen close to home. "My parents won the postcode lottery last September - £83,333," she said. "Now that people in our village have heard about myself and my two sisters winning in the syndicate, people are rubbing my father's arm hoping to get some of the family luck!" Five of the syndicate members met up in Bridgend days after the win for food and to process it together. "People weren't sure what to do with the money - there were so many things going round in their heads. It's really hard to digest. And while I've been really happy, it's been an emotional rollercoaster as well." Members of the syndicate have big plans for their winnings (Image: National Lottery ) There were tears, too. "One of the ladies, who I hadn't seen for about six years, told me her son had been diagnosed with cancer. She'd had breast cancer. Her husband nearly died from cancer of the eyes. People were just sharing their stories - I was crying. I was just so pleased this happened for them. For us." Wayne Jenkins, Rhian's former rugby coach, is heading to Spain for a month and plans to share his winnings with his grown-up daughters. Meanwhile, Nicola Butler, a former colleague, learned of the win the same day her husband left his job - now, the financial boost has eased their stress, and a long-overdue family holiday is in the works. Rhian's sisters are also making the most of their good fortune. Tracey Harry is buying a campervan, helping her three children, and exploring dental treatment options. Jayne Owen, who played two lines and received double the share, has already purchased a campervan and is also planning dental work. "The win couldn't have come at a better time," she said. The West Is Best syndicate came together for a big celebration at a local Bridgend pub, The Blaenogwr, where they were joined by family and friends - for many of the syndicate members this was their first time meeting each other (Image: National Lottery ) Jayne Davies, a close family friend who has battled ongoing health issues, used her share to fund a private knee replacement. Meanwhile, Rhian's lifelong best friend, Liann Gregory, is treating her family by gifting money to her three adult children, making home improvements, and buying a caravan for everyone to enjoy. Taking a more strategic route, Louise Fahey - another close friend- is investing in a rental property to secure long-term financial stability while also supporting her children. Rhian doesn't pretend there's a secret to the group's success. "It was just pure luck. You click that Lucky Dip button and the machine generates the numbers. And this was the EuroMillions - the odds are massive. People all over Europe play it." Article continues below But deep down, she always knew: "You've just got to manifest it."
The Irish Sun
06-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
My brother was killed by brazen teen in stolen car going 130kph – that's not an accident, the driver needs to be charged
HIT-and-run victim Michael Farrelly's brother has told how he wants the killer driver to be prosecuted, insisting: 'My brother is dead and someone should be held accountable.' And as Advertisement 4 Mikey Farrelly's brother Conor told how he wants the killer driver to be prosecuted Credit: Gary Ashe 4 Conor Farrelly spoke to the Irish Sun's Stephen Breen about the loss of his 'wonderful' brother Credit: Gary Ashe 4 The shocking incident, which has left Mikey's family reeling, occurred on July 17, 2024 just after midnight Credit: Collins Photos Musician Michael, 40, known as Mikey, was killed when he was struck by a stolen vehicle travelling at 130kph on Coast Road, Baldoyle, just after midnight on July 17, 2024. He was just 50 yards from the entrance to his estate when he was struck by the Hyundai Kona. Advertisement The teenage driver of the vehicle — suspected of being a member of the 'Lucky Dip' burglary The suspect — who was arrested last September and later released without charge — was on bail at the time of the hit-and-run. Since then, the yob has been linked to numerous car thefts and burglaries across Ireland. Videos of the suspect and his associates have also been circulated on And he was this weekend posting videos online in stolen cars. Advertisement As the Garda probe continues, Michael's brother spoke exclusively to The Irish Sun on Sunday about his family's ongoing torment. Conor, from north 'The person who took his life ran from the scene, showed no remorse and yet continues to steal cars — he could have helped my brother.' He continued: 'Grief is very much on hold for us — it's impossible to process what's happening when there is a live investigation and we're seeing videos of these guys out doing it again. 'I don't understand how someone can hit a human being at that speed, kill them and not stop. Advertisement 'They know what they've done and yet they keep doing it. 'There was no decency shown to my brother — if I hit a dog I would check to see if it was OK. 'He wasn't killed in an accident — it was a 'SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE' Speaking about his family's quest for justice, Conor said: 'I would like to see this person charged with what he has done. At the end of day, my brother is dead and someone should be held accountable. 'I want action taken on this because we won't be the last family to suffer. I have to be his voice now because he spent his whole life looking after me. Advertisement 'I truly hope the sentence acts as a deterrent to others and also reflects the gravity of the 'A completely innocent man has been robbed of a bright future.' He added: 'The devastation left behind can't be put into words. Whatever sentence he gets it's incalculable to the sentence we have for the rest of our lives. 'Our family and Mikey's friends have been left shattered — no one should have to lose their life in such a reckless and violent way.' Advertisement The hit-and-run victim's brother also hit out at Ireland's bail laws. 'TERRIBLE TRAGEDY' He said: 'Had circumstances and laws been different this terrible tragedy wouldn't have happened. 'Mikey's death was completely avoidable because these guys shouldn't have been out. 'We're not the only family going through this — families have been torn apart because bail laws aren't fit for purpose. They were out on bail for multiple thefts and their actions have real consequences. 'People are losing their lives and families are shattered in this continuous Advertisement 'These criminals who are out on bail all the time are operating without any deterrent or consequences. Enough is enough.' Conor continued: 'How many families have to be broken apart? How many people have to die before something is done? 'We can't tolerate this — anyone who does an offence like this should be placed in custody. 'VIOLENT OFFENCE' 'If you hit someone at 130kph in a stolen car this is a violent offence, yet he does it repeatedly. 'What do you have to do to be classed as a violent offender?' Advertisement Conor also revealed how his brother had just completed his first album in the weeks before he was tragically killed. He said: 'Mikey's whole life revolved around 'He went into a recording studio in 'We were at a family dinner last summer and he'd never played in front of us. 'He took out the guitar and sang three of the songs he'd composed. 'We were blown away and so proud — we were lucky to have experienced that. It is something we will never forget.' Advertisement Conor also told of his pain over Michael's absence at his upcoming wedding later this year. He revealed: 'His music was beautiful. We will now use it as a celebration of his life and some of it will feature at my wedding. It is a day I will never forget and no family should have to endure this type of experience" 'He was delighted to be my best man and was he really looking forward to it. He really wanted to be the best he could be and now unfortunately we will both miss out — this is very sad.' Conor added: 'The only reason he won't be there is because of the actions of someone else and this makes it incredibly hard.' As part of his interview with us, Conor also revealed how he had been made aware of the tragedy. Advertisement He explained: 'I had a strange feeling when I saw there had been an incident in Baldoyle. 'I was working at home when the Gardai showed up and told us Mikey had passed away. 'It is a day I will never forget and no family should have to endure this type of experience.' 4 Conor Farrelly, right, pictured alongside his beloved brother Mikey Credit: Supplied
Irish Post
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
On the record - the best new music releases in Ireland this month
'GRATITUDE is the key to serendipity,' says Dirty Marmalade about their debut album, Hills of Breifne (Spooky Jazz Records). It's a fair enough observation from the Cavan band, who also state their manifesto (of sorts) via a press release: 'We stand for the creative weirdos struggling to find their place among mainstream society.' The outcome is a dishevelled record that nonetheless has a real sense of place (Cavan, naturally), atmosphere (a collection of audio samples), and some very catchy songs (Król Markus II, Love Bomb, Lucky Dip, and Big Giant Jelly Baby). Electric Penguins The album isn't the musical equivalent of rocket science, of course, but there is a feistiness here that other musicians should look for and familiarise themselves with. FOR SOMETHING a tad more considered and infinitely more accomplished, you could lend your ears to Electric Penguins: The Way Lights a Fire, Pt. 1 (Bohemia Records). The duo (Mark Cummins and Paul Murphy) has been around for 20 years, but the pair clearly prefer the seclusion of studio environments to performing live. This album is their first full-length studio collection of songs in 15 years, and to say it's a layered, brilliantly produced piece of work is an understatement. Highlights are many, from Oxygen's glam-glitter stomp to Penny in the Poor Box, which blends The Jam's English Rose with Elliot Smith's Beatles-esque tunes in a way that is very clever and cheeky. George Houston EQUALLY smart but not so brazen is George Houston: TODC (George Houston Records), which presents the County Donegal singer-songwriter's songs in sharp detail. The album title is the acronym for 'The Original Death Card', which references the tarot visual symbol of not only death but also the rebirth that follows. Houston says that his fourth album is 'a massive step in removing myself from the shame that comes with growing up queer in rural Ireland', and you can easily sense the level of liberation that comes with songs so flagrantly fresh and in your face. Despite his significant back catalogue, Houston might be unfamiliar to many people. If that's the case, dear reader, make amends with this album – it'll be worth your while. Amble's Reverie NOT SO much worth your while - unless you like music that is as soothing as a duvet day with a Lemsip in one hand and a TV remote control in the other - Amble: Reverie (Warner Records) contains little more than deftly played fireside tunes brimming over with melancholy and memories. In the past year, musicians and songwriters Robbie Cunningham, Oisín McCaffrey, and Ross McNerney have struck so much gold with their folk-tinged pop/pop-tinged folk songs that they have attained superstar status (selling out 3Arena-size venues isn't a problem). Such adulation for such gently unfolding music is interesting, but if that's what the customer wants, then that's what the customer gets. That said, if you're more into Irish folk/pop with grit and grind, best stick with the Mary Wallopers. ANOTHER Irish band with more grit than a sandstone quarry is Cork-based Crow Black Chicken, who may have taken some time to release Ghost Dance (the follow-up to 2016's third album, Pariah Brothers), but who also realise that perfection requires patience. In truth, Ghost Dance isn't perfect, but if your music preference is a straight-up mix of hard rock/blues ala Led Zeppelin's early albums, nifty guitar solos, finger-lickin' riffs borrowed from Lynyrd Skynyrd, blues-rock swooshes gifted by ZZ Top, and song titles that are as Southern Fried as the band's name (including Bottom Feeders, Fire and Blood, and Hot Molasses), then this album is for you. Besides, what's not to like about a band that has taken its name from a traditional fiddle song (rearranged) by Ry Cooder? Tuck in. See More: Ireland, Music, New Releases
Dublin Live
18-06-2025
- General
- Dublin Live
Irish EuroMillions winner said enormous jackpot 'destroyed' her life
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Ireland witnessed a historic moment this week as one EuroMillions player scooped an eye-watering €250million jackpot, setting a new record for the country's highest ever win. The National Lottery has issued advice to the lucky winner, urging them to "stay calm, get independent legal and financial advice and contact us as soon as they can". Yet, keeping one's cool after such a jaw-dropping windfall might seem like a Herculean task. Margaret Loughrey from Strabane, Northern Ireland could attest to that. She once won £27million on the EuroMillions, but said the win "destroyed" her life. Tragically, she was found dead eight years later – and we delve into her sorrowful story below. Known as 'Maggie Millions', Margaret had a cheerful upbringing as one of six siblings. Her life took a sombre turn in her teens when her father Hughie passed away. Her brother Paul reflected: "He was a bricklayer and fell off a roof when he was 47. It was a terrible time. He was a fantastic father. I don't think Margaret got over it and after that she had mental health issues." Margaret's fortunes dramatically shifted in November 2013. At 48, divorced, and having just visited the job centre, she purchased a Lucky Dip EuroMillions ticket on a sunny day, while living modestly on just £71 a week in her two-bedroom bungalow. She had to double-check her numbers (9, 23, 27, 42 and 44 with Lucky Stars 3 and 5) a staggering ten times before it sunk in that she'd hit the jackpot. After stepping outside for a breather, she spent five hours pacing around her house before ringing Paul to break the news that she was now £27million richer. Paul recalled: "I was the first to be told. We were close right up until the money. But from that day I knew. I told the rest of the family this is not going to be good for Margaret. "People have often said to me, 'It must be amazing to win all that money?' But I always respond, be careful what you wish for because it almost destroyed our entire family. Not just Margaret." Paul, who has three children, shared that Margaret found it tough to cope with her newfound wealth, which led to her pushing her four brothers and sister away. He described it as "very sad" and noted that his sister "just didn't want to know us anymore". Despite severing ties, she still handed out £1million each to her siblings and closest friends. Paul mused: "She didn't want us in her life but still she gave us the money. It doesn't make sense, does it? But she made sure we were all OK." (Image: GOOGLE MAPS) For Margaret, scooping the EuroMillions prize marked the start of a downward spiral, resulting in her being sectioned only months later. Two years on from her windfall, she faced conviction for assaulting a cab driver, leading to a sentence of 150 hours of community service. The court was informed that she had been knocking back vodka and was "highly intoxicated after consuming a large amount of alcohol". Margaret has spoken out about the downside of her lottery win, revealing that by 2019 she was down to just £5million and felt victimised by theft. Speaking to Sunday Life, she expressed deep regret: "I will never have peace as long as I live. Even if I didn't have a penny left, I won't. I regret winning the lottery. Of course I do. I was a happy person before. I am a human being and all it has done is destroy my life." In the emotional interview, Margaret, who indulged in a range of vehicles including a VW camper van and a Land Rover, described her hardships: "I have had six years of this. I don't believe in religion, but if there is a hell, I have been in it. It has been that bad. I went down to five-and-a half stone." Besides high-end cars, Margaret poured her winnings into renovating a dilapidated property she called 'the barn' and erected a luxurious £1million home beside her modest bungalow. Ultimately, despite the house resembling a fantasy from Grand Designs, she chose to return to her simple bungalow, with her brother suggesting the grand home was overwhelming for her. (Image: PA) Margaret passed away suddenly in 2021, with no suspicion surrounding her death. Her family stated she died from natural causes following an illness. In the wake of her passing, local councillor Paul Gallagher, her neighbour, paid tribute: "Margaret was well known and did a lot of good, charitable work around the town. People are shocked today." Margaret's legacy of generosity became well-known posthumously, and she spoke to the BBC in 2013 about her philosophy on wealth: "No point having £27m and being lonely. That can't make me happy, that can only make me happy that everybody else's happy and so far everybody is absolutely delighted." Despite winning a huge jackpot, Margaret continued to live in Strabane and became a local benefactor, reportedly covering funeral costs for a family in financial distress and funding medical procedures for others, including paying for gastric band operations. In addition to these acts, Margaret was known for donating to local charities. Grainne Dunne from Knockavoe School, serving children with special needs, reminisced how Margaret visited and followed up with a significant donation, Grainne said: She came to see us a couple of years ago and soon after we received a very substantial donation. She was a modest woman." Anne Ramsay of New Horizons, which supports adults with intellectual disabilities, acknowledged the receipt of a "substantial sum" from Margaret as well. Councillor Paul Gallagher reflected on the impact of her charity, stating: "Covid has put a mighty strain on charities. She had her troubles but Margaret has helped with the survival of these groups and those benefits will be felt for a long, long time to come." Paul, her brother, has expressed concern arguing that jackpots have become excessively large. He commented: "It's time the Government look at the size of jackpots. They need to be capped. A person working in a factory or a call centre like I was can't deal with money like that." In response to his statements back in 2021, the National Lottery's operator said: "Camelot takes its duty of care to winners very seriously and all major winners are offered support and advice for as long as they wish."
