The retired Donegal man found out he was a winner by checking teletext!

An 84-year-old retired Donegal farmer and cancer survivor has picked up a EuroMillions Plus winning cheque for €500,000 from National Lottery headquarters.

Charlie Meehan from Manorcunningham was one of two EuroMillions Plus winners who claimed €1 million between them on the same day.

Charlie, who decided to go public with his win, purchased his golden ticket at Barclay’s Newsagents in Raphoe for the EuroMillions Draw on February 5th.

Charlie Meehan, 84, from Manorcunningham, is pictured with his wife Ruby and Son Niall and daughter Ann when he collected his winnings from the National Lottery HQ. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Speaking from the National Lottery Winners Room with family members by his side he said: “It is nearly three weeks since I won this prize and it hasn’t had any great effect on me at this stage! I had cancer of the bladder in 2012 and spent several weeks in hospital. Thankfully I am still clear of cancer and that to me is more important than any money. This is the icing on the cake for me.”

Charlie said he checked his numbers on teletext on the night of his big win.

“I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to be absolutely sure so I woke my daughter Ann who was asleep in bed. She got an awful fright at first when I woke her up. She checked the numbers online and confirmed the win.”

Charlie Meehan, 84, from Manorcunningham, is pictured with his wife Ruby and Son Niall and daughter Ann when he collected his winnings from the National Lottery HQ. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Charlie, who has three children and four grandchildren, then woke his wife Ruby and told her they had come in to some money. “Her immediate reply was ‘How much’” he quipped!

Asked what he plans to do with his winnings he said: “There are a few women around the house who have their ask in! This will give us more comfort and I will look after my family. But nothing can compensate you for your health and once I am well I am happy.”