'I thought it was a prank at first,' Tipperary couple win HUGE cash prize

A local couple, Áine Dempsey and Brian Hickey of Kilsheelan, Clonmel have been named as the lucky winners of Clonmel Credit Union’s mega €50,000 members' draw.

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The draw took place on Thursday, January 29, when Áine Dempsey and Brian Hickey received the good news.

"I couldn’t believe it; I thought it was a prank at first!" Áine Dempsey explained.

"When Audrey rang, she explained it was the credit union, and she told me to sit down. It was crazy. I was like, you know, somebody's pranking me here, because we were talking about earlier at work," she added. 

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The couple have big plans for their winnings, including a holiday.

Brian Hickey added: "It was unbelievable news! The Credit Union Members' Draw is fantastic. It's no brainer! Especially for the number of chances you have of winning. We’re delighted."

The winning couple, Áine Dempsey and Brian Hickey of Kilsheelan, Clonmel, are pictured at Clonmel Credit Union on Parnell Street, along with (left) Eamonn O'Mara, Chairman, Clonmel Credit Union and (right) Frank Birmingham, Vice Chair.

Other Members' Draw prize winners on the day were Maura R Forrestal, Laura Sheehan and John Nicolas Quigley.

Clonmel Credit Union distributes €21,000 among four members each month, with a chance to win €15,000, €3,000, €2,000, or €1,000 in cash, deposited directly into their credit union account.

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"Congratulations to our latest Members’ Draw winners. We’re delighted to see the prize money staying local and making a real difference in our community," said Audrey Conway, Branch Manager, Clonmel Credit Union.