Husband of Euromillions winner Dolores McNamara dies

THE husband of Euromillions winner Dolores McNamara has died in Killaloe. Adrian McNamara, who was in his late 60s and a bricklayer by trade, passed away following an illness this morning. He died peacefully and surrounded by his family, at his son Lee’s home in the Clare village.
Mr McNamara along with his wife, who won a €115m Euromillions jackpot in 2005 after purchasing a €2 Quick Pick ticket, had lived together at Lough Derg Hall, a vast property and estate in Ogonnolloe, overlooking Lough Derg.
Ms McNamara purchased the 10,000 sq ft hill-top property for €1.75m in 2005, after it had reportedly attracted the interest of Hollywood actor Robert De Niro. The lavish country manor, boasting amazing lakeside views, at the end of a half-mile long private entrance, fronted by electric gates and an eight-foot high wall, is set on 38 acres, including a coach house.
The high-end property is a far cry from the modest 1,200 sq ft semi-detached family home Adrian and Dolores raised their six children in on the Patrick’s Road, Limerick.
Friends said the couple’s windfall did not change them, particularly Mr McNamara who, besides investing in a number of racehorses and a Spanish holiday home, had maintained a low profile, a source said.
The couple had owned a holiday home in Turkey prior to Ms McNamara’s massive lottery win which occurred when Mr McNamara was recovering from heart bypass surgery.
“Adrian was a lovely fella, he was always very decent, and he didn’t let the money change him,” said an informed source.
“He had a few horses and he lived in a big house in Killaloe but he kept away from the limelight. He was always a hard worker,” they added.
Adrian McNamara is survived by his wife Dolores; the couples three sons Gary, Dean, Lee, and three daughters Dawn, Kim and Kevanne, and nine grandchildren.
Mr McNamara’s funeral will be held in accordance with current Government COVID-19 restrictions and HSE guidelines on public gatherings, at St Flannan’s Church, Killaloe, at 12 midday, on Saturday, April 24.
Mr McNamara will be laid to rest afterwards near the shores of Lough Derg at New Cemetery, Ogonnelloe.