Big shock for local scratchcard player

What first appeared to be a €50,000 win on a scratchcard by a lucky Ballinamore punter this morning has turned out to be a half a million euro winning ticket.

The shocked man contacted National Lottery headquarters, having purchased the winning ticket in Murphy's Newsagents this morning, only to be told he had, in fact, won €500,000 on the 'All Cash Extravaganza'.

A shocked and delighted Philip Murphy, proprietor of the shop, contacted the Celt in the last few minutes to update us on the amazing news.

It appears the confusion arose, as the fine print under the matched amount displayed on the card said 'hundred thousand'.

The man who wishes to remain anonymous is over the moon.

The shop - Murphy's Newsagents on St Brigid's Street - has been serving the local community for the past 69 years and Philip Murphy is the second generation at the helm.

There is a great buzz in the store and community today following the win.

It's not the first time the shop has had a big winner. "We're known as Lucky Murphys," he quipped.

The store sold a €100,000 Winning Streak scratchcard some years back and has had other big winners too.