Clifford's Centra is Cork city centre has been revealed as the store that sold the winning ticket for the €250m EuroMillions jackpot.

The Shandon Street shop is owned by Ted Clifford and has been in his family for 95 years across three generations.

"As a third-generation, family-owned store, this is a proud moment for us and a truly special day for the local community," said Cliffrod.

"We warmly congratulate the lucky winner and are delighted to have played a part in such a life-changing event. Centra is all about our customers, and we’re overjoyed to see this incredible win happen right here in the heart of Cork."

Des O'Mahony, marketing director of Centra, said the company was "over the moon to have sold the winning ticket, it’s a huge moment for us and for Cork.

"But this isn’t about us; it’s about our customers.

"We’re just so happy to see this kind of good fortune come to someone in our local community.

"There’s a real buzz around the place, staff, customers, everyone is sharing in the excitement. We wish the winner every happiness and hope this brings them great joy and opportunity.”

The €250m jackpot is the highest-ever win in the history of the National Lottery, eclipsing the €175m won by a family syndicate in Naul, Co Dublin in 2019.

The as yet unidentified winner of Tuesday's EuroMillions is Ireland's 18th EuroMillions winner since the game started in 2004.

Thousands around the country likely spent Tuesday evening imagining what they would do with a nine-figure windfall, and two financial advisors have offered their tips on how to manage a big Lotto win.

“Take a beat before you spend: The best first move is no move. Give yourself time to absorb the win before making any financial decisions," said Colm Power, managing director for employee benefits and wealth at NFP Ireland, adding:

• Build your financial team early: A good financial advisor, tax specialist, and solicitor are worth their weight in gold. Get advice before you act.
• Don’t quit your job just yet: It’s tempting, but staying grounded in routine can help you make clearer decisions about your future.
• Create a budget, yes, even now. A windfall can vanish quickly. Set up a plan for spending, saving, and investing that reflects your goals.
• Think about tax before you gift. Generosity is wonderful, but gifting large sums can have tax implications. Get advice before you share.
• Invest for income, not just growth. Look at options that generate steady income, like dividend stocks or property, so your money works for you.
• Plan for the long haul. Retirement, healthcare, and inflation don’t disappear with a win. Future-proof your finances.
• Avoid high-risk ventures. You’ll be pitched everything from crypto to cousin’s café. Be cautious. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Celebrate smartly. Enjoy the moment but just do it with a plan. A thoughtful celebration sets the tone for a thoughtful financial journey.

Conall Flynn, executive director of LHK Finance One, had some overlap with Power, urging big lottery winners to:

• “Be sensible with the money – use it to help you achieve key financial milestones which you might not yet have realised. This could include buying your first home or car, saving into a pension, or setting aside money for your children’s third-level education (if you have any).
• Pay down debt. If you have any large debts to pay such as mortgages, credit cards or expensive loans, use this opportunity to clear those debts. 
• If you have always wanted to set up your own business, this money could give you the opportunity to do so. But if using the money to set up a business, be sure to do your research, get business advice from successful entrepreneurs and to ultimately set up a business that will be a viable and profitable one. 
• You’ll likely need to invest a good portion of the money to at least maintain its purchasing power over the long term and stay ahead of inflation. Be sure to look at all your options and to get impartial investment advice. Be wary of scams too. Don’t let any exuberance around your Lotto win see you throw caution to the wind and throw your money away on an investment scam or a poor investment.
• Get the right advice, including a tax adviser, a regulated and independent financial planner or adviser, and a specialist probate solicitor. It’s important to sit down with the right person to discuss what you should do with your money, especially if you are a young individual whose parents may have passed away and who may not have anyone to guide you.
• If planning to pass on any of your windfall to loved ones and friends, do so in a tax efficient manner. Be mindful of the inheritance tax bills you could trigger for family and others that you might pass your windfall onto – do your utmost to limit these bills if you can. Put careful planning into any money you intend to pass on to others. With this amount, you can support your children, grandchildren, and others — but do it in a way that encourages responsibility, not entitlement.
• Don’t make sudden lifestyle changes: Avoid quitting your job, buying multiple properties, or going on lavish spending sprees right away. Let the reality settle in first.

Photo: Clifford’s Centra Shandon Street Cork celebrating the sale of the record-breaking €250m EuroMillions ticket.
(Pic: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision)