Kevin O’Connor, 22, who signed for Preston North End last year, returned for a few days with family and friends over the New Year.
His uncle and godfather Peadar Murphy, of Castlebridge, Co Wexford, bought the winning ticket at Flanagan’s Supermarket, near his home, on December 14 and gave it to his nephew as a present.
But after collecting his million-euro (£889,000) jackpot at the Irish National Lottery offices in Dublin, Kevin revealed that he owes his mother Breda a huge thank you.
He did not watch the New Year’s Eve draw and it was Breda who urged him to check his ticket after hearing the winning numbers were sold locally.
Kevin was joined by Breda, dad Brian, Peadar and his wife Margaret, his brother, also called Brian, and girlfriend Chloe O’Leary to celebrate as he picked up his winnings on Tuesday.
“After some searching, I sent them a picture of the ticket but I never really believed that it was the winner of the one million euro prize,” said Kevin, a former under-21 Irish international.
We had a game with Middlesbrough on Monday night so I completely put it to the back of my head until after the final whistle.”
But despite the huge win – and the disappointment of Preston losing to Middlesbrough 3-2 – Kevin remains focused on his football and family, saying: “It’s been an incredible two days and I don’t think the win has sunk in yet.
I will take a few days before we make any decisions.
“The important part of today was having my family with me so they will be at the forefront of any plans.
“My main focus at the moment is to help Preston climb the Championship and hopefully challenge for a Premier League spot over the next couple of months.”
Defender Kevin, originally from Wexford, signed for Preston after helping Cork City win the league and cup double.
He is now returning to Deepdale stadium for Preston’s FA Cup third-round tie preparations against Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.