Donegal businesswoman Annmarie got the chance of a lifetime to spin the big wheel last Saturday.

Donegal-based businesswoman Annmarie Doherty had a very fortunate start to her year after winning a whopping €52,000 on RTE’s Winning Streak.

Getting to spin the famous wheel never came into the mind of Annmarie Doherty, who lives in Greencastle, Co. Donegal – it was enough for her to just appear on the show. But the Derry native won a massive €30,000 on the wheel to add to the €22,000 in cash she won earlier in the show.

A delighted Annmarie Doherty from Greencastle, Co. Donegal has won €52,000 on last Saturday’s National Lottery Winning Streak Game Show on RTE. Pic: Mac Innes Photography.

Annmarie plans to buy a new car with her winnings as her old one recently failed the NCT. She said she will also treat her husband, Michael, who will soon be turning 50, and their twin boys Finn and Loughlin (14).

Leading up to the programme, Annmarie was a mixed bag of nerves and excitement. She picked up her winning ticket from GALA Express, Drung, Quigley’s Point, Co. Donegal.

She said she was overwhelmed by the many well-wishers in her community and the number of texts and messages from far and wide wishing her luck.

Annmarie Doherty from Greencastle, Co. Donegal, pictured at the presentation of the Winning Streak winners’ cheques with host Marty Whelan, Niall Andrews, Head of Sales and Operations at the National Lottery and host Sinead Kennedy. Pic: Mac Innes Photography.

Annmarie told hosts Marty Whelan and Sinead Kennedy how she and Michael were childhood sweethearts who lost touch. But they reconnected in their twenties when they were living and studying in Trinity College in Dublin where Michael was studying Computer Science and Annmarie Business and Economics. Annmarie also has a Master’s Degree in Woman Studies from UCD.

The couple, now married for 25 years, have pooled their expertise and run their own business a   Motarme –  a business-to-business technology marketing firm based in Letterkenny.

Before that, Annemarie worked for a range of Chambers of Commerce and also in marketing and public relations for Local Enterprise Boards. She is also a former President of the Donegal Women in Business Network.

A grand total of €184,000 was won on this week’s episode of the Winning Streak National Lottery game show.