A lottery winner who scooped a massive £4 million jackpot has died in a holiday horror in Turkey.
Michael Kelly from Birr in County Offaly, was involved in the fatal road accident last Thursday. The lotto winner, known to have a villa in the sun-soaked country, was on a getaway with his wife Ann and their daughter when tragedy struck.
Locally known as ‘Mouse’, Michael was a familiar face around Birr, according to Sinn Fein Councillor Sean Maher, who expressed his deep sorrow.
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He said: “I would like to offer my condolences to the family, I would’ve known them very well. He is sadly missed. He was always pottering around, he would sit down and have a chat with you anywhere in the town.”
(Image: PA)
Maher also noted the profound impact of Michael’s passing on the community: “It is a big shock to the community to hear it, he is a well-got person in the town, so it was a big shock to the community as a whole”, reports the Irish Mirror.
Social media has been flooded with tributes for the well-loved Offaly man. One heartfelt message read: “Very sad news. Condolences to the family. Rest in peace Mouse, a genuine gentleman and a great Birr and Offaly supporter.”
Another mourner said: “The light of heaven to u mouse. Devastated for your heartbroken family. Condolences to you all. Rest in heavenly peace.”
And a third added: “Deepest condolences to Ann and the Kelly family. Very sad news. Thinking of you all during this terrible time.”
Michael, who was in his 60s, leaves behind his wife Ann and five children, Edward, Jonathan, Donna, and twins Lisa and Celina.
Back in 1997, Michael and Ann hit the headlines by winning the fourth largest Lotto prize at that time.
They splashed out £5,000 on a party to celebrate their massive £4,094,789 win. At the time, they shared with the press some concerns about their new fortune.
Ms Kelly remarked: “Hopefully we will all still be happy together”.
An announcement on RIP. ie stated: “The death has occurred of Michael “Mouse” Kelly Ballaghanoher, Banagher Road, Birr, Co. Offaly, on July 4th, 2024, (tragically), whilst holidaying in Turkey. Funeral arrangements to follow. May he Rest in Peace.”
A rep for the Department of Affairs confirmed the sad news, adding: “The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.”
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