PATRICK and Frances Connolly's momentous good fortune was the main topic of conversation yesterday in her native Co Tyrone.
Originally from Glebe, near Sion Mills, Mrs Connolly's three sisters and two brothers still live locally in the area and in nearby Castlederg.
Mrs Connolly, née Graham, is the oldest in a well-known family in Glebe, which has a population of just 672 people.
Her late mother, Kathleen, who passed away last year, was a very popular member of the local community.
Mrs Connolly's husband, Patrick was born and raised in Belfast and attended St Malachy's College in the north of the city.
The couple both attended Queen's University Belfast and later met at a wedding in 1989.
They have been together for 30 years, living in Hartlepool for 25 years before recently returning to live in a rented property in Moira.
Mr Connolly said his expertise is in manufacturing and run a small business before going on to work for others.
Mrs Connolly worked as an educational programme coordinator and plans to do a PHD in clinical psychology.
The couple have three daughters, one aged 30 and twins aged 24, two grandsons and one grand-daughter.
They told of how one daughter is currently in New Zealand doing a Masters degree. She will be travelling home and, during her stopover, has upgraded from a hostel to a modest hotel, her mother said.
West Tyrone SDLP assembly member Daniel McCrossan said everyone was impressed with the "truly humbling" interviews the couple gave after news of their life-changing windfall was announced.
Mr McCrossan said he was particularly pleased that the couple intend using their good fortune to help so many local charities and community organisations.
"Frances, who is originally from the Glebe area of Strabane and comes from a very well-known and respected local family, is truly deserving of this great, life-changing win," he said.
"I am delighted that they have pledged to make a positive contribution to those in need and their intentions to do great things with it."
'Delighted for Success'
Castlederg Sinn Féin councillor Maolíosa McHugh said everyone in the west Tyrone area was delighted to learn of Mrs Connolly's success.
"I think everyone has been so impressed with the way Frances and Patrick conducted themselves at the press conference," she said.
"I thought it was great that she's not going to just rely on the winnings but intends going back to college to study.
"It was always great to hear them talk about how they're going to distribute the money.
"It was obvious to everyone that Frances was very charity orientated and that's good to see."
Mr Connolly's links to St Malachy's College were revealed yesterday as the couple appeared on ITV programme This Morning, where Belfast-born host Eamonn Holmes explained they attended the same school.
The presenter also joked his favourite butchers was right next to their home in Moira, adding: "If I'm passing, the next time I'll call round for a cup.. a glass of Champagne!"
