The ‘Lotto Lovelies’ Syndicate is on cloud nine after bagging the €250,000 Lotto Plus 2 prize.
This lively group, mostly made up of Penney’s employees from the Swords Pavilions Shopping Centre and nearby stores celebrated their first big win with 23 of the 34 members visiting National Lottery HQ to claim their prize.
The ‘Lotto Lovelies’ Syndicate is on cloud nine today as they collected their €250,000 Lotto Plus 2 top prize from the Saturday, 1st February draw.
This lively group, were in a tizzy of excitement, over their first big win, with 23 members of the 34-member syndicate visiting National Lottery HQ.
Amanda Staunton, the mastermind behind the syndicate, started the group over a decade ago with hopes of hitting the jackpot one day.
“I first started a syndicate 12 years ago in my old job, and when I joined Penneys, I carried the tradition with me – ever since, the group has been slowly growing, but it’s a fun way for us to stay connected and hold out in the hope of sharing a jackpot together one day. And here we are!”
Despite a few smaller wins over the years, this is their first major victory. Amanda’s dedication is admirable – she checks the tickets every week in store and shares the results slip in their group chat, win or lose.
Amanda purchased their Lotto ticket on Monday, 27th January, from Spar, Drogheda Street, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin.
On the night of the draw, she had a sneaking suspicion they had a winning ticket but kept it under wraps until she could confirm with our Prize Claims team.
“I knew most of the gang would be at work on Tuesday morning, so I asked my boss if I could give an update after his team meeting.
“When I announced we might have won €250,000, the room went bananas.
“It was pandemonium! I didn’t even get to finish my update.” Amanda recalled.
For the syndicate members working in other Penney’s stores, a video update was shared in the ‘Lotto Lovelies’ group chat, leading to a flurry of disbelief and joy.
Some even thought it was an April Fool’s joke! The excitement was so contagious that very little work got done that day.
The syndicate members have already started splurging their windfall, with one booking an all-inclusive holiday to soak up some sunshine and another ordering new doors and windows for their home.
The excitement of the win has everyone buzzing and plotting how to best enjoy their dazzling share of the prize.
