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by Niall O'Dowd

A deserved stroke of fortune for Irish lottery winner Patricia Daly Eisel

Posted on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 09:08 PM
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There is something wonderful about the Irish woman living in Long Island who won $21.5 million in the New York lottery at the weekend.

Patricia Daly Eisel could be a poster girl for hard working Irish emigrants everywhere who came to America and made a success of their lives.

The 40-year-old Offaly native is a single mother raising three kids who works two jobs – waitressing and baby sitting – in order to make ends meet.

She clearly had nothing handed to her since she arrived in America in 1995 and has had her fair share of challenges.

Try raising three kids on a waitress' salary and you will know all about it.

Still she never complained and was wildly popular in the restaurant in Long Beach, Long Island where she worked.

Back home in Ireland her next-door neighbour Imelda Lenehan said Trisha was a "bright, fun-loving girl who was always dedicated to her family."

Lenehan spoke with Trisha's 69-year-old mother. "She was calm as usual, Mags does not get excited. She'd just say God is good, isn't it great. I'd say she was in a state of shock."

In America she is beloved too. "She's a great worker, a great friend, a great partner," John O'Brien told the Irish Independent from the Saloon on Long Beach yesterday.

It was fate that she won. She was due to go home to Ireland but the massive snowstorm at Christmas meant she stayed in America.

While still here she bought the fateful ticket.

Her first thoughts when she won were to surprise her mother in Ireland and she flew back there on Thursday night.

No doubt she was walking on air when she stepped off the plane at Dublin Airport.

She deserved it and will have $8 million to spend when the lump sum minus taxes is hers.

And her kids will have a proper home not a house, as she told Lottery officials.

Some things are meant to be and it was a wonderful turn of events for this plucky Irishwoman.

I hope she enjoys her windfall.

I have a feeling we won't be reading about her as one of those who squanders all they made.

She seems far too smart for that.





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6 Comments

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DaddyMac22 | Feb 01, 2011, 12:42 PM EST
Dear Diary, jackpot!!

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proudmomma23 | Jan 31, 2011, 03:24 AM EST
always left a good tip....trish haven t thought of you in a while soooooooooooooooooooo delighted it was great news...........you deserve it ...anne marie....and i m not the clara hawk its my dad john.....bx

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KathyCallahan | Jan 30, 2011, 10:44 PM EST
I am so very happy for such a wonderful, thoughtful and stand up woman! I love the part when she says -I'm returning to work (as a millionairess) in the restaurant because my work is about working alongside co workers I love and call my family. I enjoy working hard, serving all of our customers and making their day...Dignity. In essence that is what she said to the press...And I believe every last word that she said. She will be safe and protected in the company that she keeps at work. Her friends, family will have her back when liars and thieves try to get and have their way with her. Godspeed to a worthy winner!!

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Monsoonman | Jan 30, 2011, 03:27 PM EST
Good for her, a very deserving person. There's a lesson here for all of us and a good financial plan for ya. Next time you plan a trip, buy a lottery ticket instead....and when you win, personally take the winning ticket into the lottery headquarters to claim your multi million dollar prize. DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT MAIL IT IN!!!

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Sooner4010 | Jan 30, 2011, 11:28 AM EST
I think it is a very sad commentary that the government's taxes took up more than half of her winnings!! Not only for this wonderful young woman but for all winners of lotteries everywhere!

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Silling | Jan 30, 2011, 11:15 AM EST
Well done Patricia. I have been doing Lotto for 10 years, same numbers 3 5 8 11 13 39 and as yet not a bean. But I persist. Before Christmas I sent 5 unchecked Lotto tickets by post to the next village to have them screened. When I cam back there was a for sale sign on the shop and no sign of the owner. Am I Irelands number one gobshite ? Answers please. Ps I live in Provence France.

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