David Raleigh
The husband of Limerick Euromillions winner Dolores McNamara has died.
Adrian McNamara, who was in his late 60s and a bricklayer by trade, died on Thursday morning following an illness.
He died peacefully and surrounded by his family, at his son Lee’s home in Killaloe, Co Clare.
Mr McNamara along with his wife, who won a €115 million Euromillions jackpot in 2005 after purchasing a €2 Quickpick ticket, had lived together at Lough Derg Hall, a vast property and estate in Ogonnolloe, overlooking Lough Derg.
Ms McNamara purchased the 10,000sq ft hill-top property for €1.75 million in 2005, after it had reportedly attracted the interest of Hollywood actor Robert De Niro.
Dolores McNamara celebrates her Euromillions win in 2005. Photo: PA
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 1,200sq ft semi-detached family home Adrian and Dolores raised their six children in on Patrick’s Road, Limerick.
Friends said the couple’s windfall however, 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.
In the first few years after Ms McNamara’s jackpot win, the couple had to invest in 24/7 security at their home, because of concerns of potential kidnap plots against them and members of their family.
Adrian McNamara is survived by his wife Dolores, the couple's three sons, Gary, Dean and Lee, 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 12pm, on Saturday, April 24th.
Mr McNamara will be laid to rest afterwards near the shores of Lough Derg at New Cemetery, Ogonnelloe.
