The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship is at its most compelling point of the season, and for punters, its most nerve-wracking. Provincial finals are done. Galway hold the Leinster title, Limerick have reclaimed Munster, and the knockout stages are now in full swing.

But nobody can call this championship with any real confidence, and that uncertainty is showing up clearly across the betting markets, the best Irish betting sites right now show prices shifting by the day as opinion on who can win this title remains genuinely divided.

Galway go into the semi-finals as the team bookmakers have most respect for after their Leinster campaign, but they have not been installed as a runaway favourite in most markets. Their provincial title was earned against strong opposition, and they look well-organised heading into the last four. Limerick, meanwhile, have been a familiar presence at short prices in this competition in recent years.

Reclaiming the Munster crown has restored confidence in their camp, and they will expect to be near the head of the outright betting when the knockout rounds arrive. Two credible favourites, one title, and the market is not sure which way to lean.

The Quarter-Finals Could Flip the Market 

The two quarter-final ties are where serious punters will be paying closest attention. Clare face Dublin on one side of the draw, while Cork take on Offaly on the other. Both games carry genuine betting interest and, depending on how they play out, could significantly rearrange the outright picture before a semi-final ball is struck.

Clare will attract attention from bettors who like value outside the top two. Their recent form across grades has been strong, and there is an argument that the Clare team is more settled and battle-hardened than their odds suggest. Dublin, after a difficult day in the Leinster final, will need a commanding performance to regain any credibility in the outright market. A Clare win would shorten their price sharply and bring a fresh dynamic to how bookmakers price up the semi-final stage.

Cork’s situation heading into their quarter-final against Offaly is one of the more interesting wagers of the championship knockout stage. They were beaten narrowly in Munster, a result that hurt their outright price, but a Cork team that gets rolling in championship hurling is not something bookmakers or opponents take lightly. If they come through Offaly, expect their odds to tighten considerably.

Where Punters Might Find the Best Value

This is one of those championships where the smart play may not be backing an outright winner at the current prices. Each-way punters and those who prefer ante-post markets on semi-final placings might find better value than the winner market right now, simply because the gap between the top four or five counties in hurling has rarely felt smaller. The outright prices reflect a genuine toss-up between Galway and Limerick, but the quarter-final survivors could easily upset that order.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has emphasised the importance of informed and responsible wagering, and for any punter placing serious money on an open market like this, that means doing your research rather than following the crowd. The outright hurling market is exactly the kind of bet where early sentiment and fast-moving money can shift prices significantly, and where patient, well-informed bettors tend to find the most rewarding positions.

A Championship That Refuses to Be Called

What makes this championship so difficult to price is the genuine quality spread across multiple counties. Limerick bring experience, Galway bring provincial form, Clare bring momentum, and Cork bring the kind of character that tends to unsettle odds-on picks. Each of these represents a credible case for the title, and the bookmakers know it. This is not a market where one county is running away from the field, and any punter treating it that way is likely to be caught out.

For those building a position in the outright market, the sensible approach is to hold off until the quarter-final results are in. The prices after each knockout round will tell a very different story to what is on offer at the start of the summer, and there may be genuine ante-post value to be found once the semi-final picture becomes clear. The All-Ireland Hurling Championship in 2026 has the makings of a brilliant summer for GAA fans and, for anyone who can read a market as well as a game of hurling, it might turn out to be the most rewarding wager of the year.

Looking magnificent, Abounding displayed a golden sheen as she paraded at Robert Heathcote’s stable in the lead-up to the Stradbroke Handicap. However, that prestigious race was not the intended target, with the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday now the primary goal for the five-year-old mare. The Tiara presents Abounding with an opportunity to improve upon her second-place finish from the 2025 edition.

“She’s always been a good type and she’s healthy and she’s happy,” Heathcote explained. “She’s eaten well and she’s working well. We’d aimed for this even when I took her down to Sydney in March, we just wanted to put a fitness run into her and to freshen her up for the carnival.”

Abounding finished 14th in Queensland’s most significant race, won by Spicy Martini over 1400m on June 13. Despite the unplaced finish, she was only six lengths off the victor, and the heavy track conditions were a significant impediment.

“The Stradbroke was a speed bump on an unsuitable track for her but I think she ran ok. She’s done well and we haven’t done much with her since that run as that would have topped her off fitness wise.”

“I just hope we get a track that is not too wet. I think it is a mistake that a lot of people make with Eagle Farm track in that when it gets wet it shouldn’t be graded soft five or six, or heavy eight or nine. It should be the amount of shiftiness because it gets so shifty. Either a horse can handle that or they can’t. If we get a Good 4 for or a Soft 5, I think she can go one better than last year.”

Abounding’s victory in the BRC Sprint on May 23 made her the first mare to win the event since Red Tracer in 2010. She will be reunited with jockey Tim Clark for the Tiara, with the pair currently rated at $7 in the ante-post markets.

“Tim knows his stuff and they just get the job done, those top Sydney boys,” Heathcote added.

While She’s Got Pizzazz was the initial $4 favourite, she will not be competing. Grahame Begg’s Splash Back now holds favouritism at $4.40.

Get the latest racing odds for the Tattersall’s Tiara and place your bets with leading bookmakers.

Hardik Pandya (ANI Photo)

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has raised concerns over Hardik Pandya‘s recurring fitness issues, questioning the lack of clarity surrounding the all-rounder’s injuries while admitting uncertainty over whether he will still be part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.Hardik recently missed the ODI series against Afghanistan because of an injury and has also been ruled out of India’s upcoming 50-over series against England in July. His absence has once again sparked discussions about his long-term fitness, a topic Kaif believes has never been adequately addressed.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif acknowledged Hardik’s immense value to the Indian team and described him as an irreplaceable all-rounder in the current setup. However, he admitted that the Baroda star’s injury record makes it difficult to predict how long he can continue at the highest level.“I cannot take the guarantee of him. Even I do not understand his case. He is such a big match-winner. No one is close to him as an all-rounder in the current lot. He also knows this. But his body is fragile. He was injured in 2023 as well, and after that it has not been the same. There are no talks about his injury and any proper reasons given, though. I do not know what is being said or what the official reason is. You tell me if you know. We only know through sources,” he said.Kaif also criticised the lack of communication regarding Hardik’s fitness status, arguing that supporters deserve more transparency whenever a key player is unavailable.“Fans also have the right to know exactly what has happened, and we need more transparency. This has been the case with Hardik throughout his career. There are always questions about his injury as to what has happened exactly and why he is missing out,” he added.While discussing India’s ODI squad, Kaif also weighed in on Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s omission from the team for the England series. The young opener had strengthened his case with a century in the final ODI against Afghanistan but was still left out of the 15-man squad.Kaif backed the selectors’ decision to pick Ishan Kishan instead, pointing to the wicketkeeper-batter’s versatility and ability to contribute in multiple roles. He also suggested that Kishan’s current form and support from head coach Gautam Gambhir worked in his favour.“Jaiswal will play. He will be an all-format player. His time will come too. Agarkar had said they can select only 15 players, and I agree with him. We have a lot of solid players, and a few people will always miss out like this. They had to pick either Jaiswal or Ishan Kishan. Kishan got the nod because he can bat in the middle as well. Jaiswal is a proper opener. And Kishan can be a backup wicket-keeper as well. Also, Gambhir wants Kishan to be there. That liking is there too. I said this the last time as well. His form is good too, so I agree with the call. Jaiswal will have to wait a bit,” Kaif stated.Despite missing out on this occasion, Kaif remains convinced that Jaiswal’s future lies across all three formats for India. For now, though, the youngster may have to remain patient as competition for places continues to intensify ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.

ATLANTA (AP) — FIFA will consider keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite backlash to the extra stoppages in play at this year’s tournament.

Gianni Infantino, the soccer body’s president, defended the decision to introduce breaks — which come midway through each half — at this World Cup and said Tuesday they may be providing more entertainment for fans.

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He said FIFA would analyze what it will do in future tournaments “based on this experience.” But after criticism that the breaks were a stealth way to insert advertising or American-style timeouts, Infantino suggested the stoppages have been positive.

“Maybe the coach can reassess certain situations, correct certain mistakes. The players get a little rest and come back in full speed. Well, is that bad necessarily? Maybe it’s good,” Infantino said. “And we see as well the intensity of the games. We’ve never seen 90 minutes in a tournament like this played in such an intensity.

“Until the last second of the match, players attack and so on,” he continued. “And maybe, maybe not, but maybe it’s also a bit thanks to this little break that the players have and after they can go back on the field and show what they can do.”

The World Cup has certainly delivered in terms of entertainment, with goals scored at a record pace and big performances from soccer greats like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. There have also been shocks provided by debutants Cape Verde and Curacao, despite fears the expansion of the tournament from 32 teams to 48 would dilute the quality.

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But the biggest criticism has been the introduction of hydration breaks for all matches regardless of venue or location.

Loud jeers have greeted the stoppages, around 22 minutes into each half, especially at games played in stadiums with roofs and air conditioning, such as Atlanta.

Infantino said it was necessary for sporting equity.

“If we were to use hydration breaks only in those matches where it was too hot and not in the other matches, we would give an advantage or a disadvantage to some of the coaches or some of the teams,” he said. “Why would the coach have the opportunity to influence the game in one match just because it’s hot and in another match where it’s a bit less hot, he wouldn’t have this opportunity?”

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Infantino also insisted FIFA was making no extra money as a result of networks cutting to commercials because contracts had been signed before the decision to introduce hydration breaks.

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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch has noted in the past that it’s “safe to say” Brandon Aiyuk’s time with the team is over, and George Kittle is apparently happy about that.

The rift between Aiyuk and the 49ers has gone on for almost a full year now after the team voided the remaining guaranteed money he was owed on his extension. The 49ers did so after Aiyuk didn’t participate in rehab sessions for a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus he suffered in his right knee during the 2024 season, which he still has not returned from.

The Niners have been looking for a trade partner, but nothing has come to fruition yet. However, Kittle is wishing whoever gets him “luck.”

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George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers stand on the field at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas before Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 11, 2024. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

“I used to make it a habit of mine to go out early in the morning before meetings to watch him train because he’d always be out there early, and I watched him run over 22 miles an hour and watched him stop on a dime. He’s still got it, but that was eight months ago, so I don’t really know. You guys have fun with that, I guess,” Kittle said to Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast host PFT, a Washington Commanders fan.

The long rumor is that Aiyuk and the Commanders would eventually be a match. In a recent video on his Instagram Story, Aiyuk was heard yelling, “Go Commanders! Go Commanders! Go Commanders! Raise Hail! Take Command!”

Aiyuk began speaking out about his frustration with San Francisco earlier this month, including videos where he called the 49ers “dumb” and “stupid” for giving him his extension. He also has claimed the team is scared to release him because of how he might perform elsewhere in the league.

George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Brandon Aiyuk after scoring a 32-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Jan. 20, 2024. (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

RAIDERS’ FERNANDO MENDOZA SHARES TOM BRADY’S ADVICE AS HE BEGINS NFL CAREER

Along with the video cheering on the Commanders, Aiyuk posted a photo of Washington’s former quarterback Mark Rypien hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XXVI.

The 49ers placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left team list back in December after he stopped showing up to the team facility.

Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers before the NFC Championship game against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Jan. 28, 2024. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

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Before getting injured in 2024, Aiyuk tallied 24 catches for 374 yards that season. He broke out with 1,342 yards on 75 receptions and seven touchdowns during the 2023 season for the 49ers, helping them reach the Super Bowl.

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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Welcome to the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s AEW News & Rumor Roundup. Today, we are looking at stories involving top pro-wrestling stars, including Bully Ray, Jon Moxley, and Toni Storm, among others.

A new report has revealed the real reason WWE veteran Bully Ray recently targeted Jon Moxley. Details about Toni Storm’s canceled plans for the AEW All In 2026 pay-per-view have surfaced, and a popular international star has finally returned to Tony Khan’s promotion. We’ve got some exciting news to cover today, so let’s dive into the roundup.

#5. Bully Ray targeting Jon Moxley to get a reaction out of AEW, says veteran analyst

Bully Ray has recently been highly critical of Jon Moxley, throwing out serious threats and insults toward the company’s top star. On a recent episode of his podcast, Bully Ray went on a tear, calling the Purveyor of Violence a fake tough guy and a fraud, even claiming that he could easily beat up the Purveyor of Violence if he wanted to. The WWE veteran has also been heavily critical of the booking of Mox’s Death Riders faction.

Fans have been wondering exactly what the wrestling legend was trying to accomplish by publicly bashing a major star like Moxley, who is a record 4-time AEW World Champion. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer recently offered some insight into the situation, responding to a fan on X/Twitter to explain the backstage reason behind the threats. Meltzer claimed that Bully Ray is simply working an angle, strongly hinting that the veteran is deliberately trying to provoke a reaction from AEW stars to spin off a storyline and shift the spotlight entirely onto himself.

#4. Bully Ray responds to Josh Barnett’s defense of Jon Moxley

Bully Ray’s inflammatory comments about Jon Moxley and the Death Riders have generated massive buzz and online backlash. Jon Moxley’s longtime friend and fellow professional wrestler, Josh Barnett, stepped up to the plate and offered to fight Bully Ray on Moxley’s behalf. Refusing to back down, Bully Ray directly responded to Barnett’s post on X, claiming that he can handle himself perfectly fine and fight his own battles.

Bully Ray confidently told Barnett that he would be willing to fight him anytime, offering to put him over in a way that would make him legendary.

“Josh I too can handle myself fine, fight my battles. If ya ever had the itch to feel what it’s like to be over so thoroughly that you can draw money, I can help you with that. Not only can I put you over but get you over in a way that would make ya a** legendary, For you anytime,” he wrote.

The conversation on X can be viewed here.

#3. Dave Meltzer gives insight into Toni Storm’s canceled plans for All In 2026