Most money’s on Mayo to end All-Ireland losing streak

IT seems the entire country is backing Mayo to come good in the All-Ireland, including the Dubs.

Mayo will take to the field against Dublin tomorrow looking to break the run of eight unsuccessful All-Ireland final appearances since their last win in 1951.

Paddy Power is estimating that €4.5million will be wagered on the clash – and despite Dublin gunning for their third title in three years, the bookmaker is reporting that all 32 counties have recorded a majority backing for the Westerners.

The bookies reports that 95% of bets placed in Mayo back the Connacht men, with neighbouring Galway a close second, putting 93% of their money on their local rivals.

Country-wide, 80% of bets are on Mayo, with betting offices in Dublin recording 72% of all bets to go on Aidan O’Shea and Co.

Paddy Power spokesperson Felim Mac An Iomaire says that 90% of all bets will be placed in the 24 hours before the game, and 60,000 bets will be placed online in the hour before the 3.30pm throw-in.

‘Aside from horse racing, no other sporting event comes close to it in the eyes of Irish punters. With the bets beginning to pour in we’ve seen plenty of money for Mayo.’

Hayley O’Connor of Ladbrokes says that 65% of their punters have backed the ‘romantic’ option of the Mayomen’s success but the ‘professional money rides on the long-time favourites of Dublin’.

‘If Mayo break their duck we’ll be in trouble,’ O’Connor told the Irish Daily Mail. ‘Most punters can’t look beyond the underdogs and while some big players are backing the Dubs, our book is heavily weighted on the Sam Maguire going west.’

The biggest price Mayo were this season with Ladbrokes was 10/1, after their Connacht SFC semi-final loss to Galway, but they are now 3/1.

The Boys In Blue are priced at 2/5 with Ladbrokes – and a draw is being priced at 9/1.

GAA president Aogán Ó Fearghail is appealing for fans to travel safely to Croke Park, in a week that saw carnage on the roads during which six people lost their lives.

Elsewhere, Dublin City Council has apologised for confusion over the decision not to show the match on a screen in Smithfield in the capital.

‘A large event will take place in Smithfield [today] and a potential homecoming event would take place on the following day should Dublin be victorious. To organise three large events in a row, with separate build and take-down requirement is considered an unfair imposition on residents,’ it said.