Inside Track: My pal went close to winning a grand

A pal, who, unlike me, only sees the inside of a bookie’s office once a year – and that, to have a bet on the Aintree Grand National – broke with tradition 11 years ago.

He took a look at the two All-Ireland finals, and after giving them deep consideration, decided both were too close to call. We could have a draw in each of them, he opined.

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And he decided to back his judgment with a bet – a tenner double, both matches to finish level. The odds were good, 9/1 each of two, as we say at the dogs and horses.

He must have thought his luck was in when the hurling final between Kilkenny and Tipperary finished level. It nearly didn’t. Tipp got a 65 in the last minute – John O’Dwyer’s shot was high and very close to the post.

Had the umpire awarded a point, there wouldn’t have been much of an argument, certainly not among spectators. It couldn’t be judged from the stands and certainly not Hill 16 – it was struck towards the Davin Stand end. Tipperary would have been declared winners.

But the man in the white coat had a doubt, so he signalled to the Westmeath referee Brian Kelly – let’s see what Hawkeye has made of it. “Níl” flashed up on the screen. A draw.

Brian Cody’s Kilkenny, on a roll at the time, having won six of the previous eight All-Irelands, including a four-in-a-row, took the honours at the second time of asking, 2-17 to 2-14. (Have the mighty fallen? No, just taking a rest.)

My pal’s docket was now transferred from a coat pocket to a safer place. His tenner had grown to a €100, and if the upcoming Kerry and Donegal football final ended level, it would be worth a grand.

Kerry always had the look of winners about them on the third Sunday in September. But Donegal were persistent, not allowing the other wearers of green-and-gold jerseys get too far ahead.

As the game entered its final phase, three points divided them. Donegal mounted a late attack, bringing play into the Kerry square. When the ball ran loose, Michael Murphy was first to get his fist to it. His effort went inches wide.

Kerry, the champions once again and my pal’s bet not worth the docket it was written on.

I didn’t really feel bad for him – after maybe buying us a drink, he would only have put his winnings along with the rest.