The €3m free: Canning forces final replay

It is the most welcome fixtures’ headache the GAA has had in years.

Joe Canning’s nerveless equaliser for Galway in yesterday’s enthralling All-Ireland final might have delayed the coronation of hurling champions for the first time in 53 years, but it has also boosted the GAA’s bank account by over €3m.

Tipperary and Dublin will play in the Sept 30 replay curtainraiser, as the minor teams also drew yesterday. It’s the first time both hurling finals failed to find a winner. The odds on a pair of draws was 155/1. There were no takers, according to bookmakers Boylesports.