Shawn Keeley, who became an instant millionaire after winning £1 million on a National Lottery scratch card in 2020, has died suddenly in the Philippines. He was in his 30s.
Tributes pour in for Irish Lotto winner
Friends and family have taken to social media to pay tribute to the former shop manager, who had moved to the Philippines prior to his unexpected death. One devastated friend wrote: 'I can't believe he's gone. Shawn was a man who could light up any room as soon as he walked into it. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.'
A former work colleague added: 'Was heart broken to hear this sad news about Shawn. I had the pleasure of working with you in Eurospar and many a laugh we had. Rest in peace and condolences to all the family.' Another person said: 'Heart breaking news to hear about Shawn, he was the life and soul of many a night out and had a heart of gold too. RIP Shawn. Thoughts and prayers with all your family at this sad time.'
Death notice and funeral arrangements
Shawn's death notice was posted by McLaughlin Funeral Directors, Dungiven, Co Derry. It read: 'We regret to inform you that the death has taken place of Shawn Keeley suddenly but peacefully on 23rd of May 2026. May he rest in peace. Late of the Philippines and formerly of 38 Lackagh Park, Dungiven, Co Derry. Beloved son of Tiney and Noel and loving brother of Christopher, Paul and Gauvin. Will be very sadly missed by his partner E.J. Very deeply regretted by all his aunts, uncles, cousins and the entire family circle. Wake and funeral arrangements later.'
Family flowers only are requested, with donations in memory of Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) via McLaughlin Funeral Directors or online. The notice concluded: 'Saint Joseph patron of the departed souls intercede for him.'
Reflecting on his 2020 win
Shawn was 26 when he won £1,000,000 on a scratch card. He recalled: 'It all started when I bought a couple of £3 scratchcards on the Friday night. I won £30 on those so, as I was leaving work around 5.30pm on Saturday evening, I bought a couple of £5 scratch cards with my winnings. Normally I'd scratch them in the car but on this occasion, I took them home with me as I had to get ready to go to a socially distanced garden party with a few friends that night. I actually forgot about the scratch cards in my jacket pocket so when I got home, I had a shower and got ready to go out. Then I remembered the cards, took them out of my jacket and started scratching around 7pm. All of a sudden, I could see that my numbers matched and the card was telling me that I had won the top prize of one million pounds!'
