The Co Kildare couple who froze a National Lottery jackpot pay-out in a legal wrangle over the winning ticket were over £800,000 richer yesterday after settling for half the £1.65 million winnings.
Mr George and Mrs Patricia Murray, from Millbrook, Naas, who claimed ownership of the ticket, agreed to split the winnings evenly with Mr Thomas and Mrs Mary Cullen from Ballinafagh, Prosperous, Co Kildare, who had possession of the ticket.
Both couples agreed a confidentiality clause as part of the settlement which was reached shortly before the case was due to come before a judge for review in the High Court in Dublin yesterday morning.
While she would not reveal the exact terms of the agreement, Mrs Murray last night echoed the sentiments of the couple's barrister who told Mr Justice Kearns in court that his clients and the Cullens were satisfied with the outcome. "It's nice to have this out of the way," she said.
The battle may not be over yet, however, as the Murrays had also begun legal action against the National Lottery, its director, Mr Ray Bates, and RJ Behan Ltd, owners of The Gem newsagent in Naas where the ticket was bought.
Their barrister said in court yesterday this action was "still live", and Mrs Murray confirmed last night that "proceedings are pending".
A spokeswoman for the National Lottery, Ms Paula McEvoy, said she could not comment as the company had not yet received the transcripts from yesterday's High Court proceedings.
The dispute arose over the ticket bearing the winning numbers for the Saturday night jackpot of December 1st last.
Mr Murray claimed he filled in a slip with the winning combination but when he handed it to a cashier in The Gem, he received a Quick Pick ticket in return.
He did not notice the mistake until he saw the winning numbers the following day and recognised them as the combination of family birthdays he always picked.
He then realised he had an entirely different ticket which he presumed was mixed up with that of another customer served immediately before or after him.
The Murrays secured a High Court injunction on December 3rd, preventing the National Lottery paying out the jackpot if the holder of the winning ticket turned up.
Four days later, the Cullens identified themselves as the holders of the winning ticket and the injunction was extended to January 11th, pending discussions between the two sides.
In court yesterday, however, Mr Justice Kearns was told an agreement had been reached and the case could be struck out.
The National Lottery later handed over two cheques for £827,912 each to the solicitors for the couples, Mr Pat Reidy and Mr Liam Moloney. Neither couple was present at National Lottery headquarters for the handover.
The nature of the discussions which led to the settlement was not disclosed but both couples were likely to face hefty legal bills if the case continued much longer.
Despite the public's fascination with the unprecedented case, Mrs Murray indicated she and her husband had not let the pressure of being under the spotlight influence their decision.
"Today was the first time we actually went up to the court. Really we have gone on with our lives as normal except for the extra bit of work in getting this sorted."
She expressed the hope that the outstanding issues could be resolved. "Please God everything will be grand," she said.