The family of seven who yesterday collected the State's largest national lottery jackpot of more than €16 million have said they led "a very happy life" prior to last Saturday's win and wish to return to normal family life as soon as possible.
Flanked by an adviser and a legal representative inside the National Lottery headquarters in Dublin, Paul and Helen Cunningham, from Fairhill in Cork city, who were accompanied by their three sons, two daughters and other family members, declined to be interviewed.
But in a prepared statement read out by their solicitor, David McCoy, Mr and Mrs Cunningham appeared to rule out any rash large purchases.
"Paul and Helen won't be rushing into any quick decisions but intend to let some time pass to allow the implications of their big win sink in," the statement said. "[ They] led a very happy life prior to their big win last Saturday. This is a dream come true for them, but it is their most genuine wish to return to family life as soon as possible. They hope that they will be given the space to achieve this. They are determined to keep their feet on the ground."
The Cunninghams had arrived in Dublin from Cork in a chartered silver coach at about 1.45pm. Mrs Cunningham was the first to emerge from the bus to be greeted by a red carpet, a bouquet of flowers, and a large number of media representatives, many of whom had spent three days waiting. Groups of passers-by and gardaí also looked on.
Pausing for photographs outside, some members of the family appeared genuinely surprised by all the attention.
Mr Cunningham joked and laughed with photographers as they jostled for position.
The family were then brought inside before reappearing for the photocall after 3pm. Asked how they felt, Mr Cunningham replied that they were "very happy". "Up the Rebels!" he added.
Mr Cunningham, who manages the Berehaven pub in Blackpool, turned up for work on Sunday morning. He opened the premises before handing over its running to another staff member.
The couple's five children, Paul (27), Stephen (25), Shane (23), Amy (20) and Sarah (15), as well as several brothers and sisters of the couple, were also among the group of 13 people who participated in the photocall.
Afterwards they travelled to an undisclosed destination.