GAA Betting: What Are The National Hurling League Final Odds?

Betting sites have wasted no time offering odds for this weekend’s National Hurling League Division 1 final.

While it is no surprise that all-conquering Limerick are favourites, there is some value to be found yet in their battle against Kilkenny, who pushed them so hard in last year’s All-Ireland final.

Not only have we looked at the outright odds for the game, but we’ve also got some tasty plays in other markets.

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Limerick completed a three-in-a-row against Kilkenny last July and in the process, garnered a fourth All-Ireland in five seasons so it isn’t a surprise that they are best-priced 2/7 with GAA betting sites to prevail on Sunday.

It was the Cats, on offer at 40/13 with 10Bet, that scuppered their ambitions in 2019, although there was a little bit of controversy as Limerick were denied an equalising opportunity when a deflected sideline puck was waved wide instead of a 65 being awarded.

It is too simplistic to say that John Kiely and his men would be pursuing six-in-a-row this term as a result, however. Perhaps that reverse was a key element in their subsequent progression.

Certainly, it reminded us never to write Kilkenny off, as did last season’s All-Ireland final. Of course, that unerring ability to overcome odds and an apparent reduction in star power was cemented under Brian Cody’s leadership. 

One of his acolytes, Derek Lyng has taken over the reins now. As someone who maximised his own talent, Lyng is unlikely to accept anything but selfless endeavour on the pitch.

The style of play has changed considerably though, and it is impressive that apart from one defeat to Tipperary, they have implemented that while winning games. 

They have done that too without the services of Ballyhale Shamrocks duo TJ Reid and Adrian Mullen, who may be included in the squad for the first time this weekend.

Billy Drennan has really caught the eye and is the top scorer in the competition with an average of nearly 12 points a game, his 1-13 in the semi-final defeat of Cork the standout contribution.

Limerick have been much sharper than the last two League campaigns, but they did win this competition in John Kiely’s first two seasons. 

They have eased some of their big guns back into the fray, such as Aaron Gillane, Declan Hannon, Kyle Hayes and Gearóid Hegarty. Cathal O’Neill is just one of the talents looking to break into the side that has impressed.

They lost their opener to Cork when they let a good lead slip against what one suspects was a fitter outfit at that time of the year. 

They have progressed with each outing since and the manner of their response to Tipperary’s first-half questions in the semi-final was chilling for anyone looking to supplant them as hurling’s top dogs in 2023.

Other Bets On Offer For League Decider

Anyone sitting on the 10/1 advised in this column about Kilkenny four weeks ago will be happy as there is a profit to be garnered already on each-way terms. 

That was the hope and had Limerick shown a little less interest, it would have been better. 

It is difficult to see Kilkenny lowering the green colours in a final however, and that is why the betting apps are offering no better than 2/7 about Limerick. 

It is 10/1 on the draw, but the handicap market looks the best play for some value.

BoyleSports have a vast range of offers in this regard, from one point to nine. I like 11/8 about Limerick at -7 points, with Kilkenny at 4/6 if you disagree.

Kilkenny to lead at half-time and Limerick to win outright is 5/1 and might be of interest. 

It’s 4/11 on the betting sites for the double result of half-time/full-time on Limerick and 7/1 if Kilkenny keep their noses in front throughout. 

Meanwhile, Aaron Gillane leads the first goalscorer books at 5/1 with Ladbrokes and that may well be worth a punt for Sunday’s game.