Deadlocked final the perfect result for delighted bookies

It was a day of firsts at Croke Park yesterday.

Yesterday was the first time that both the All-Ireland minor and senior hurling finals finished in a draw.

It was also the first senior decider to finish level since 1959, and minor since 2004.

And for fans of the black and amber, Kilkenny’s record in showpiece replays doesn’t make for pretty reading.

The last senior decider which required a second day was the ’59 meeting of Waterford and Kilkenny which the Déise won after a replay.

In 1934 Limerick required two games to defeat Dublin, three years earlier Cork overcame Kilkenny in a replay, while in 1908 Tipperary beat Dublin at the second time of asking.

There have been seven draws on All-Ireland minor final day. The first was in 1928 — the first year of the minor championship. The ’66, ’77, ’84, ’90, ’96 and 2004 showpieces also went to replays.

The results from Croke Park were greeted with broad smiles by the country’s bookmakers, with Leon Blanche of Boylesports admitting the outcomes represented “a very good day” for his profession.

Blanche explained: “Nobody had the two draws which we would have priced at 155/1. But the day cost us €70,000 as we refund, first, last and anytime goal scorer bets along with half time/full time bets in game’s that finish level. But very few people had the draw backed in either the senior or minor games. The goal scoring market has become hugely popular in recent years as people don’t just go for the straightforward outcome bet.

“Overall it was a very good day for bookmakers with two thrilling finals ending in draws. There will be two more finals to look forward to and the GAA is growing hugely in popularity.

“People who bet on either Kilkenny or Galway to win the match, their bet is gone. But people who backed either county to win the championship outright, that bet is still very much alive.”

Meanwhile, Boylesports have installed Kilkenny as4/9 favourites for the replay with Galway at 9/4. The draw is 11/1.