Bookies in the black as Cats slip up

Bookmaking firms were last night celebrating Galway’s Leinster SHC final victory over Kilkenny.

Leon Blanche of Boylesports admitted the result was worth a “very nice six-figure sum” to his firm.

However Blanche added that Brian Cody’s side remain favourites to retain the Liam MacCarthy Cup in September.

Blanche explained: “Most punters were backing Kilkenny to win, -5, -6 -7, to lead at half-time, to lead at full-time.

“It was nearly all one way traffic. In fact it was one of the most lopsided GAA books we have seen in a long time. The result means a very nice six-figure sum for us on that game alone.”

The odds on Cody’s men have been trimmed for All-Ireland glory — but they remain the team to beat.

Kilkenny were 4/9 and they are now 10/11.

Ladbrokes reported massive money for Kilkenny from punters believing they could reel in the Connacht men during the decider

Hayley O’Connor of Ladbrokes explained: “Before the match Kilkenny were 1/6. The biggest they were in play was 9/1. The turnover we saw in play was enormous, in fact the most we’ve seen on any GAA match all year. Even after getting off to a bad start, punters continued to back Kilkenny in running expecting a comeback. Unusually both teams were backed in play and turnover was similar to what we usually expect for an All-Ireland final.”