Love Trumps Money: Irish Woman Says “I Don’t!” to Winning Streak…

Winning Streak is an Irish institution. Fact. Yes, we fondly remember the hush that would descend upon the house on a Saturday night when the programme came on (and the subsequent screaming of: “pick number three you idiot!!!” that would ensue as soon as the games started).

While most of us only dream of hearing our name read out on the programme, one Irish woman who was lucky enough to have her ticket pulled from the drum has said “I don’t!” to Marty Whelan.

Mary O’Sullivan from Donegal has decided not to appear on the TV show because she will be too busy saying “I do!” to the love of her life. Yes, Mary will be getting married to her long-term boyfriend Eoin on the same day that she’s due to be a contestant on the programme. Love trumps all, eh?

“What are the odds of getting picked for Winning Streak on your wedding day? I still can’t believe it,” said Mary.

“My mother always buys me scratch cards and when I got the three stars recently I considered waiting a while to post it in case I was picked and it clashed with my wedding. Then I thought, ‘Nah, that won’t happen.’ Well, it did,” she added.

Mary got three stars on a Winning Streak scratchcard given to her by her Mammy

Rather than rushing back to Dublin to film the show after she ties the knot in Donegal, Mary has decided that she’s going to enjoy her dream wedding instead.

The good news is that Mary won’t miss out on her chance to pocket some extra cash. A daughter of one of her friends has kindly offered to sit in for her and represent her because all of Mary’s family and friends will be with her at the wedding.

“I’ve told Ciara [Mary’s stand-in] to go and have a great time with her friends and of course win plenty of money,” said Mary.

Mary, who will be marrying Eoin Hamdam (a former contestant on The Apprentice), said that she is busy putting the finishing touches on their big day.

“We’re tweaking the reception a bit now. When the meal’s over we’ll all pull up a seat between 8pm and 9pm to watch Ciara on Winning Streak – the hotel hopes to put up a big screen. The dancing can get under way after that!” said Mary.

“It will be a great start to married life. Whatever money Ciara wins on the show we will put towards a deposit on a house,” she added.

A great start to married life? We have to say, we couldn’t agree more!