In an extraordinary twist of fate, a woman from Kilkenny has celebrated her 60th birthday by winning €50,000 on a National Lottery scratch card—remarkably replicating a similar win she experienced eight years ago. The odds-defying double win has left both the winner and her community astonished, with many describing it as the ultimate case of déjà vu.

A Birthday Celebration Turned Fortunate

The lucky winner, Ann Foley, was enjoying a surprise birthday gathering with family when she received a scratch card as part of her presents. Initially, she secured a €10 win, which she decided to reinvest in a Bingo Multiplier scratch card at Walshe’s Shop on Main Street in Stoneyford, Co Kilkenny. To her amazement, this decision resulted in the top prize of €50,000.

Recalling the moment, Ann shared, “I was lost for words—I couldn’t believe it had happened again! The fact that it all unfolded just like it did eight years ago almost spooked me out, but I wasn’t complaining!”

Striking Similarities to Her First Win

Ann’s latest win mirrors her first €50,000 windfall, which she claimed on her 52nd birthday—also from a scratch card gifted by a family member. Both occasions share uncanny parallels:

• The tickets were purchased from the same local shop.
• Ann’s son was in the shower when she scratched both winning cards.
• Her husband was returning home from work at the exact moment she discovered her winnings.

The remarkable similarity has added an extra layer of intrigue to her incredible stroke of luck.

Plans for the Winnings

Following her first jackpot, the family paid off their mortgage and completed much-needed home renovations. This time around, Ann plans to use her winnings to invest in solar panels to make her home more energy-efficient. Additionally, she is looking forward to enjoying a Caribbean cruise with her husband as a well-deserved treat.

“Winning twice is beyond anything I could have imagined. It’s not just about the money—it’s about the joy it brings and the adventures we can now plan,” Ann commented.

Kilkenny’s Streak of Good Fortune

Ann’s extraordinary luck is part of a series of recent lottery successes in Kilkenny. In a separate incident, a man from Thomastown won €20,000 on a €5 Merry Money scratch card while on his way to work. The spate of local wins has sparked excitement throughout the county, with many residents inspired to try their own luck at local retailers.

National Lottery Reminds Players to Check Tickets

In the wake of these wins, the National Lottery is reminding players to regularly check their tickets. Winners are encouraged to sign the back of their scratch cards immediately and contact the lottery’s prize claims team to safely collect their winnings.

While stories like Ann’s capture the public’s imagination, lottery officials also advise players to approach scratch cards with responsibility and awareness, noting that wins of this magnitude are rare.

A Tale of Luck and Timing

Ann Foley’s double jackpot win has become the talk of Kilkenny, offering a heartwarming story of luck, family, and joyful coincidence. As she prepares for her Caribbean adventure and invests in her home’s future, her incredible experience serves as a reminder that sometimes, lightning really can strike twice.

“It just goes to show that you never know what’s around the corner,” she said with a smile.

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