Paul and Helen Cunningham, who are believed to have won Saturday night's record €16m National Lottery jackpot, have left their home at Fairhill in Cork City.
It is now believed they will spend the night at a hotel before travelling to the offices of the National Lottery in Dublin tomorrow to collect their cheque.
It was earlier reported that Paul Cunningham, who lives with his wife Helen and five children at Fairhill in Cork City, left for Dublin at around 8am this morning.
But he returned home at lunch time before he and his wife and members of their family left in two cars.
Helen Cunningham bought the winning €4 quick-pick ticket at Twomey's convenience store in Farranree on Friday.
A spokesperson for the National Lottery has confirmed that the headquarters was contacted this morning by an individual claiming to hold the winning lottery ticket from Saturday's draw.
The spokesperson said that the lottery cannot confirm if it was the actual winner until the ticket has officially been presented.
The winner is entitled to claim the prize during National Lottery office hours, which are 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Family left to avoid media - neighbours
The winner also has a total of 90 days from the time of the draw to claim the prize.
The blinds were drawn and there was nobody answering the door at the Cunningham home earlier today.
There was reported to have been little movement around the house since yesterday, when reports began to emerge that the family had hit the jackpot.
Neighbours said there was a party for family and friends on Saturday night.
They described the Cunninghams as a decent, hard-working family and said they wished them the best of luck.
