A Co Mayo businessman has claimed that he is entitled to one fifth of a Lotto jackpot, worth more than £1.5 million and won in January 2001. The claim is being opposed by four other persons.
Mr Martin Horan, a plant hire operator, of Carragowan, Bohola, Castlebar, claims he had an agreement with the four defendants that they would combine to buy National Lottery tickets each week. Despite his demand, the other four had refused to acknowledge his right to a one fifth share.
Following an application yesterday by Mr Maurice Gaffney SC, for the Lotto promoters, Mr Justice Lavan agreed that the monies remain in a bank account until the outcome of the dispute.
Mr Horan has brought the action against Mr Frank O'Reilly; Mr Michael McHale; Mr John Joyce, and Mr Seamus O'Brien. All four have addresses at Ballyvary, Castlebar, Co Mayo.