WATCH: Winning Streak star Sinead Kennedy delivers video message and invite to Derry man after COVID restrictions disrupt routine cross-border journey to buy Irish Lottery ticket

The Irish Lottery’s social media team had spotted last week’s Derry Journal story about how a kind-hearted stranger, who was also a cross-border key worker, had purchased and delivered a Lottery ticket for John, who has autism, after he was unable to continue his weekly routine of crossing the border to buy one due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

After seeing the story via Twitter, the Irish National Lottery team got in touch with presenter Sinead and she recorded a video for John inviting him to the studio in Dublin during the filming of the popular TV show once it gets up and running again.

John, who has been a fan of the show since childhood, will also get to meet Sinead and Marty - who are among the most famous TV personalities in Ireland - in person, along with a relative or friend.

Prior to the lockdown, Faughanvale man John was a frequent visitor Inishowen, and would routinely stop off at Bridgend and Muff to collect his Irish Lotto ticket each weekend. He said getting the video message from Sinead Kennedy was “a big surprise”. “I was over the moon yesterday. I couldn’t believe they had read the article. I was so surprised. I didn’t expect that.”

John said he is now looking forward to travelling to the studio once the restrictions end. “I love watching Winning Streak,” he said.

John’s sister Gemma said they stunned and thanked all those who were making this happen. “John always applies to be in the audience of shows. He always wished to be in the audience. He is absolutely delighted, It is like he won the lottery.”

And Gemma also paid tribute to the E&I Engineering worker whose kindness in delivering Lotto tickets to John made all this possible.

“This was something that started so small with a comment on the Derry Journal news Facebook page and then what that man has done for John has set off this massive chain reaction and we can’t thank him enough,” Gemma said.

SINEAD KENNEDY’S MESSAGE FOR JOHN

Hi John, how are you?

I heard your story. I’m delighted somebody has been able to continue to pick up your scratch cards and everything for you.

I heard you are a big fan of Winning Streak, and like myself you are missing it quite a bit, so I’d like to invite yourself and a friend to come visit Marty and I when all this is over and Winning Streak is back on air.

In the meantime, stay safe, take care and we will see you soon!.