Ireland’s shock victory over Australia in the International Rules series has left bookies licking their wounds. Paddy Power have been battered to the tune of over €50,000 by patriotic punters who kept their faith in Sean Boylan’s men.
Punters couldn’t believe their eyes that the bookie had actually extended Ireland’s odds of winning from 13/8 to 2/1 following their victory in the first test.
Paddy Power said, “Based on the last couple of years we thought that Ireland needed a big lead going to the second test to have any chance of a series victory – shows how much we know about it! We may have been hammered by our punters but how can you not cheer on an Irish win?”
Despite this year’s result, Australia are 4/6 favourites for the rematch in Croke Park next year. Ireland are 11/10 to repeat their victory.
Since Cork’s most famous rebel, Roy Keane, walked out in Saipan, the Cork Hurlers have gone on strike three times.
However, with strike action no longer an option following an ‘all party agreement’, Paddy Power are now offering odds on which of Cork’s rebellious hurlers is first to retire following the threat of action from the County’s finest.
Donal Og Cusack and Diarmuid O’Sullivan head the betting at 13/8 with Cathal Naughton the least likely at 50/1. (more…)
Paddy Power have made Australia 4/7 favourites to win this year’s International Rules first test and even hotter favourites at 4/9 to win the series.
With just three days to go until this year’s International Rules 1st Test between Australia and Ireland, tensions are sure to be running high in the Irish camp.
It’s the first time, since 2006, the two sides will face each other. Violent scenes in the 2005 and 2006 games placed the series in jeopardy and tougher rules were introduced ahead of the 2008 series.
Aussie captain Brent Harvey insisted physicality would remain a major part of his teams approach, hence the odds of 4/7 that the first player sent off will be Australian. Paddy Power also offer a cautious 3/1 that no series is played in the next three years.
Physicality is the least of Ireland’s worries. Six of Boylan’s men only touched down in Perth today having been delayed at home with club commitments. If that wasn’t enough, temperatures have soared into the 30’s in Australia, making it very tough playing conditions for the Irish side.
Paddy Power said: “Boylan’s men will have a tough task down under, what with weather conditions and late arrivals but maybe the change in rules and the fact they’ll skip a warm-up game will work in their favour. The first test will be crucial as previous form shows the Aussies always perform better in the second test.”