A delighted woman from Kilkenny got a big surprise last night when she cleared out her handbag and found a winning Lotto ticket worth €139,025.

She had unwittingly been carrying the huge prize winning ticket around with her for two weeks.

She told her story today as she claimed her big cheque at National Lottery offices in Dublin.

“My handbag was bulging and I decided to clear the load yesterday,” she said the young mother, who wishes to remain private.

“There were a few Lotto tickets in there. I’d just seen the news that the big jackpot was won in Leitrim but I thought, sure you never know, there might be a few quid on these.

“I checked the tickets on the scanner in the shop and was surprised when I got a message to contact the National Lottery.

“When I found out how much I won, I was absolutely delighted.”

The lucky winner bought her ticket on August 6 at Dunnes Stores, MacDonagh Station, Kilkenny.

She won the prize in that night’s Lotto draw when her Quick Pick numbers matched the five numbers and bonus number drawn from of the Lotto drum.

“I remember buying my ticket that day,” she said. “I thought to myself that I was due a bit of luck.

“Someone must have been listening!”

The lucky Kilkenny woman plans to look after her family with her winnings.

This Wednesday, the Match 5 + Bonus number prize is at a record high of €380,000.