On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the quiet town of Newport in County Mayo, Ireland, was thrust into the national spotlight when Kelly’s Mace, a modest convenience store at the Circle K service station on Mulranny Road, sold a winning Lotto ticket worth a staggering €11,101,286. The news, confirmed by the National Lottery the following day, has sent a ripple of excitement through the local community and reignited talk of Mayo’s uncanny luck when it comes to lottery windfalls—even if the county’s sporting fortunes have been less charmed.
The winning ticket, a Quick Pick purchased on the very day of the draw, marks the first Lotto jackpot win of 2026 in Ireland. According to the National Lottery, the jackpot had grown to its impressive total after several rollovers, making this win especially significant for both the lucky ticket holder and the region. The identity of Ireland’s newest multi-millionaire remains a closely guarded secret, but officials confirmed that the winner has already come forward to claim their prize. Arrangements are underway for them to visit the National Lottery headquarters to collect their life-changing sum.
As news broke, Newport was abuzz with celebration and speculation. Locals gathered at Kelly’s Mace, eager to share in the excitement and perhaps catch a glimpse of the shop’s owner, Michael Kelly, who has become something of a local celebrity overnight. Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr. Kelly described the whirlwind of the past 24 hours: “He said, 'I've news for you and I hope you're sitting down.' It's only sinking in at this stage, there wasn't much sleep last night. We're still trying to get used to it.”
Kelly’s Mace has been a fixture in Newport for three decades, serving both the town’s residents and the many travelers who pass through via the nearby Greenway. “Our store has been here for 30 years, so it’s great news for the community,” Kelly remarked. “We’re located right on the Greenway here in Newport, kept busy with both locals and people travelling through. There’s great excitement here in-store amongst staff and I’m sure our customers will be thrilled too when news spreads. We wish the winner all the very best with their win.”
The winning numbers that changed one person’s life were 19, 20, 22, 25, 28, and 43, with the bonus ball number 1. As the National Lottery confirmed the win, they also announced plans to visit the Circle K store in Newport, where celebrations are expected to continue throughout the weekend.
For Newport and the wider Mayo community, this latest jackpot is just the most recent in a remarkable run of luck. National Lottery spokesperson Sarah Orr pointed out that, “The largest ever Lotto jackpot was won in Mayo in 2022 when Laura's XL in Castlebar sold a winning ticket worth over €19.06 million. Last year, a Mayo family syndicate scooped over €17 million after purchasing their ticket online. For now, the celebrations are sure to continue in the county for the weekend.”
Indeed, the roll call of Mayo’s lottery winners is impressive. In August 2025, an online player from the county took home €17 million, the third largest Lotto jackpot in Irish history. Not to be outdone, Carey’s on Main Street in Belmullet—often touted as one of Ireland’s luckiest shops—sold a €5.4 million jackpot ticket in December 2024, having previously sold a €13.8 million winner back in 2016. Even before those, the record-breaking €19.06 million win at Laura’s XL in Castlebar in 2022 still looms large in local memory.
The excitement in Newport was palpable on Thursday, February 27, as the town’s residents and business owners shared their reactions with local reporters. According to Mayo News, there was “a huge buzz in and around Newport today” as word spread that the €11 million ticket had been sold at a local shop. Interviews with townsfolk revealed a sense of pride and collective joy, with many expressing hope that the winner—be they a local or a visitor—will find happiness and good fortune with their newfound wealth.
For the staff at Kelly’s Mace, the win is a welcome boost. The shop has long been a cornerstone of the Newport community, providing not just groceries and fuel but a place for neighbors to catch up and share the latest news. The store’s location on the Greenway ensures a steady stream of customers, both local and from farther afield, making it anyone’s guess who the lucky ticket holder might be. As Michael Kelly admitted, “I have no idea who bought the ticket.”
The National Lottery’s visit to the store is expected to draw even more attention to the town. Such occasions are typically marked with a presentation and a bit of fanfare, giving the community a chance to celebrate together. For Newport, it’s a rare moment in the national spotlight, one that locals are determined to savor.
It’s not just the winners who benefit from these jackpots. The National Lottery has long emphasized the positive impact of ticket sales on local communities, with a significant portion of proceeds going to support charitable projects, sports clubs, and community initiatives across Ireland. In towns like Newport, where community spirit runs high, such wins are seen as a cause for collective celebration, not just individual fortune.
Of course, the identity of the jackpot winner remains a mystery for now. The National Lottery is notoriously discreet when it comes to revealing details about winners, respecting their privacy and giving them time to come to terms with their new circumstances. In the past, some winners have chosen to remain anonymous, while others have come forward to share their stories and inspire others to try their luck.
As the dust settles and Newport returns to its usual rhythm, the story of Kelly’s Mace and its €11 million ticket will no doubt be told and retold in local pubs, cafes, and homes for years to come. For a county more used to heartbreak on the football field, these Lotto wins offer a different kind of triumph—one that brings hope, excitement, and a bit of magic to everyday life.
While the winner’s identity may remain a secret, the sense of possibility and joy that has swept through Newport is there for all to see. For now, the town is content to bask in the glow of good fortune, reminding everyone that sometimes, luck really does strike twice—or even three times—in the same place.