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Irish $16 million lottery winner still claiming over $6,000 a year in benefits

Kerryman built mansion in Ireland but resides in Nottingham

By
ANTOINETTE KELLY,
IrishCentral Staff Writer
Published Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 7:53 AM
Updated Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 7:53 AM

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Michael O’Shea pictured with his wife Jean after winning the lotto in October 2005
Michael O’Shea pictured with his wife Jean after winning the lotto in October 2005
Photo by � PA


An Irishman is still claiming disability benefits in the UK after winning over $16 million in the lottery.

Michael O’Shea, who grew up in Co.Kerry and resides in Nottingham, made headlines in October 2005 when he and his wife Jean won £10.2million on the Euro millions lotto jackpot.

Since becoming a millionaire overnight, the father of three has been paid almost $50,000 (£31,500) in disability benefit, the Daily Mail reports.

However the 72-year-old retired builder is doing nothing illegal, as the allowance is not means-tested.

"We've nothing to hide. I worked for 40 years and I'm entitled to it," O'Shea told The Sun newspaper.
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When the lucky couple scooped the jackpot over six years ago, they told the media, “we’ll never be any different, no matter how much money we have.”

They remained true to their word and still occupy the three-bedroom ex-council house they were living in prior to their win. However, they did splash their cash in Ireland, where they built a 5-bedroom mansion in Co. Kerry. They allegedly opted not to reside there as disabilities allowances are means tested in Ireland.

As well as the generous £500-a-month ($794) disability living allowance, the wealthy couple are given a new car every three years under a mobility scheme for the disabled.

Now campaigners, MPs, and neighbors are criticizing O’Shea for continuing to take the cash.

One neighbor said: “I’m not the only person around here who thinks that multi-millionaires still claiming benefits is wrong. It may not be illegal, but is it morally right that they get benefits when they don’t need them? They can afford a life of luxury and a fleet of cars – yet they are pinching every penny they can get from the taxpayer.”

In response, the retired builder defended his acceptance of the state benefits.

“I worked for 40 years and I’m entitled to it. I’ve got osteoarthritis in my legs, and rheumatoid arthritis in my hands. We only really use the car to go to the shops.”

Matthew Elliott of the TaxPayers’ Alliance told the Daily Mail, “It’s barmy that taxpayers are funding  benefits and motors for a multi-millionaire”.
 

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11 Comments

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kaydog1 | Feb 11, 2012, 02:20 PM EST
The old joke goes that a Scots' Nat'l Lottery winner's wife came to him and said, "Och, Angus, what shall I do with all these beggin' letters? Well, Angus thought a moment, and then replied: "Och, just keep sendin' them oot!"

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IrelandNorth | Feb 10, 2012, 06:17 AM EST
ciaradexy! You're beginning to sound like Maggie Thatcher having a bad hair day. I'd be concerned that this is just a British tabloid press UK Government inspired agenda to witch hunt social welfare recipients adn terrorise and stigmatise future applicants. But they aging couple should choose one or the other, lottery or welfare.

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angrypaddy | Feb 10, 2012, 12:43 AM EST
If that happened ten years ago we would all be saying how great he was for takeing money off the auld enemy for what they did in Ireland. But todays self rightous moranic non stop complaining do gooders,love thy foregin spunging neighbour in the free house (etc)would do the very same given the chance

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mikehickey | Feb 09, 2012, 06:19 PM EST
He may be entitled to the benefits, but the moral of this story is, discretion is the better part of valour. He should have the common sense not to go public, as he had the choice to remain anonymous. UK lottery winners, unlike US lottery winners, have the right to anonymity, unless they choose publicity.

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ciaradexy | Feb 09, 2012, 08:35 AM EST
He doesnt need it so why is he still claiming it? Its a morality issue, nothing to do with whether or not hes claiming it fraudulently!

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sirpeter | Feb 08, 2012, 10:22 PM EST
In all fairness.When you think of the Billions that has been placed on Irish taxpayers by gambling debts by private bondholders.Then IC come up with a story about a half dead couple who are entitled to £125 a week.IC fu*k off. fu*k off.fu*k off.fu*k off.fu*k off.fu*k off.WE know who is robbing the taxpayer.Tell your friends we are watching.

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Curitiba | Feb 08, 2012, 03:30 PM EST
There's no suggestion that he claimed any money fraudulently. He's perfectly entitled to it under the rules of the welfare system. It never fails to amaze me how the Daily Mail manages to whip up hysteria against people who they perceive to be "scroungers" when the obvious answer would be to rail against the authorities who allow this sort of thing to happen. But never do that. The Daily Wail loves authority and never misses an opportunity to bow and scrape to it.

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ciaradexy | Feb 08, 2012, 03:24 PM EST
If the lotto win isnt going to change things for you then give it to charity.

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hybernia | Feb 08, 2012, 01:46 PM EST
A but sure we know what Kerry people are like :-)

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cillowen | Feb 08, 2012, 10:38 AM EST
he's no different than the 1% ers we have everywhere.

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sirpeter | Feb 08, 2012, 08:47 AM EST
They entitled to £500-a-month.It's the law.They are not stealing the money.On the other hand if it's a question of morality that's up to themselves.Of course morality was never high on the agenda of the stinking rich.Why should this couple examine their conscience when very few people do.I mean what I waste in one year would keep a small starving African village going.It's lucky I'm not been harassed about it.Morality has to be thought from the top down when it comes to money.Anyway I have the gambling debts of the bondholders to pay and compensation for the damage the Catholic church has done.Morality is on hold at the moment.

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