Irish Football Star Scoops Lotto Prize

The winning ticket was given to the former Cork City left back as a Christmas gift by his godfather.

The 22-year-old footballer said: “It’s been an incredible two days and I don’t think the win has sunk in yet. I have no immediate plans but will take a few days before we make any decisions.

“The important part of today was having my family with me so they will be at the forefront of any plans.

“My main focus at the moment is to help Preston climb the Championship and hopefully challenge for a Premier League spot over the next couple of months.”

The ticket was purchased in the village of Castlebridge. The owner of the shop, Louis Flanagan told The Sun newspaper: “Once the ticket was validated I asked Kevin for a hold of it so I could become a millionaire for a few short seconds.

“I was delighted for Kevin and his parents, Brian and Breda. One could not meet a nicer person or family. When he came into the supermarket along with his girlfriend, it was the very same Kevin of old.

“He has not changed one bit. He is as nice a person as one could meet. Kevin got to where he is today the hard way. He played with Waterford before joining Cork City.

"He worked so hard to get that opportunity with Preston North End having also played with Ireland at under-age level.

“If I was to pick a person to win I could not have done any better. It’s wonderful and with such a nice family I have still hope in this world."