Thomas and Mary Cullen from Prosperous, Co Kildare, arrived at the High Court yesterday to pitch their claim to the same £1.65 million that George and Patricia Murray, from down the road in Naas, say is rightfully theirs.
Mr Justice Kearns, having earlier said the National Lottery couldn't pay out the other half of last Saturday night's jackpot until January 11th at the earliest, commended the Cullens.
The other half of the £3.3 million jackpot was paid on Tuesday to a Co Clare man, who clearly checks his change and his tickets before leaving the shop.
In coming forward to express their interest in the prize, the Cullens acted "honourably", Mr Justice Kearns told the court.
Their affidavit stated that Mr Cullen, like the Murrays, visited The Gem newsagent in Naas last Saturday, the court was told. He asked for a £3 ticket, was offered Lotto Plus, which he took and handed over £4. He checked the ticket on Monday, saw he had the winning numbers and signed the back of it. The ticket is now safely lodged with Bank of Ireland in Newbridge.
The Murrays' counsel's response to the unexpected arrival of the "other party" was that the Cullens should be named as co-defendants. Mr Justice Kearns said he didn't think there was any dispute between the two couples. If anything, they all had a dispute with the National Lottery. The Murrays' counsel responded with a request to differ. His clients had a dispute with the National Lottery, The Gem and the Cullens, he said.
The National Lottery said it just wanted to pay the money to the correct party and to ensure there were no more claims against it, its counsel explained.
In the meantime, however, it seems no one is going to get £1.65 million - it will be something nearer €2.1 million.
