An €8.2m Lotto jackpot has been collected from National Lottery HQ today following weeks of speculation.

Reports first emerged on Wednesday, May 11, that the National Lottery was refusing to pay out the jackpot.

According to Tony McLynn, a solicitor representing the winner, “a matter of clarification sought and that was resolved”.

Speaking last month, he added: “We’re in a society, in a world where most people would wish the winner good luck for the future, but there are security concerns and safety issues that need to be considered as well.”

The delighted player from the North West finally collected the March 5 Lotto jackpot of €8,244,502 today.

The Lotto jackpot, which had been rolling since January 27, 2016, is the biggest ever win in Co Sligo.

The player, who wishes to remain anonymous, bought the normal play ticket on the day of the draw in XL Shop n Stop on Stephen Street.

Incredibly, this is not the first Lotto win for retailer, Matt Lyons, whose XL Shop n Stop is on something of a winning streak.

In December 2009, the shop sold a €4.3m jackpot winning ticket and just weeks ago, Ciara Fallon won €276,000 on Winning Streak when she claimed the €250,000 prize on Spin the Wheel, with her entry scratch card being bought in the very same shop.

Tonight’s EuroMillions jackpot is an estimated €65m.