Hearty congratulations to Kildorrery resident Noreen McLoughlin, who was lucky enough to pick up a cheque for €22k having appeared on Winning Streak on RTE last Saturday. The winning ticket was purchased in Farrell’s Centra in Mitchelstown.
Her husband John, two daughters, five grandchildren, siblings Helen and Timmy Joe were all supporting her in the audience along with another sister, Mary who had travelled all the way from Birmingham for the occasion.
Noreen, who is originally from Athea in Co Limerick, has lived in Kildorrery for the past 31 years.
She moved to London with her sister Betty and her brother Timmy Joe in 1967 where she lived until the 1980s and worked as a nursing assistant.
She married John on her birthday in 1969 – John firmly believing himself to be her lifelong birthday present. Noreen and John moved to Kildorrery in 1984 and bought a pub called Ollie’s where they worked together until 2001.
Noreen enjoyed playing darts when they ran the pub and these days, in her spare time enjoys walking and dancing at Walsh’s Corner House in the village. She is also an avid GAA fan and supports the local club in addition to her original home county of Limerick.
Speaking to The Avondhu Noreen said that appearing on the show was a tremendous experience.
“It was recorded on the Saturday afternoon at 4pm but we had to be in Dublin by 11am. I travelled up by train. I came close to spinning the wheel. I should have said number one and it was in my mind but I didn’t and that’s the way it goes. I would like to say hello to my aunt Betty in Tournafulla and my 2 sisters Betty and Catherine who were unable to attend the show. I’d also like to say hello to all my cousins in Birmingham.
“We went to the Red Cow Hotel after the recording to watch the show as it was broadcast. We had meal and watched the programme. We asked the bar man to put it on. We got back to Kildorrery at 1.30am. The presenters Marty and Sinead are really nice. I really enjoyed my day.”
Noreen says she does the lotto all the time but this was her first big win. She has also made a piece of history by being the first person from Kildorrery to appear on Winning Streak. She hasn’t made up her mind what she’ll do with the money yet!
