Luck of the Irish for Powerball winners after $293 million winning ticket

‘Ireland of course -we’re Irish’ says Cindy Hill when asked where they will go

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Irish Americans Mark and Cindy Hill presented with their huge lotto check

Photo by ABC

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Mark and Cindy Hill of Dearborn, Missouri who just won half of the $587 million Powerball  lottery have one wish.

Asked where they’d like to go Cindy responded “Ireland of course -- we're Irish, and wherever the win takes us."

They have an adopted daughter from China as well as three grown sons so that country is on their itinerary too.

The working class Hills could not believe their luck."I called my husband and told him, 'I think I am having a heart attack," said Cindy Hill (51) speaking to WPSD Local 6 news. "I think we just won the lottery!"

Cindy has been unemployed since 2010 when she lost her office manager job.

"I was just telling my daughter the night before, 'Honey, that probably never happens (people winning)," Cindy said. "It's really going to be nice to spend time – not have to work – and be able to take trips with our family."

The winning ticket was from a batch of five that she purchased on a quick pick machine at a local convenience store.

"I stuck it in my car, and it stayed there all night," she said. "Now that I know that it was a winner I wouldn't have done that!"

When she heard there was a Missouri winner she went outside and checked her ticket -- and could not believe her Irish luck.The Hills will have a check for  $193,750,000  to cash.

Mark, a 52-year-old factory worker, wrote on Facebook"We are truly blessed, we are lucky winners of the Powerball."

"Just shocked. I mean, I thought we were all going to have heart attacks," His  mother, Shirley, said Thursday.

"I'm very happy for him. He's worked hard in his life; well, not anymore," Hill's son Jason said. "Well, I hope we all stay very grounded, stay humble and don't forget who we are."

The winning numbers were 5, 23, 16, 22 and powerball number 8
 

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