Irish bookmakers were hit hard last weekend when Ireland snatched a dramatic Six Nations win over Wales. Declan Kidney's team were well backed on home territory, with Paddy Power reporting losses of €1.2m (£1m), a deficit that included a payout of €55,000 to a customer who staked €10,000 at 9-2 that Ireland would win the triple crown.

The Dublin-based layer also claimed that Brian O'Driscoll was supported at 12-1 to score the first try of the game, resulting in a further €290,000 loss. The Dundalk firm Boylesports was facing a €1m payout to patriotic punters.

The defeat for Wales was better news for British bookmakers, as Warren Gatland's team were popular with punters. Ladbrokes saw a £35,000 bet on "no grand slam winner" while Sky Bet also dodged a big payout after laying Wales heavily to win all of their fixtures, including one of £15,000 at 2-1.

Manchester United's surprise defeat at Craven Cottage was celebrated across trading-room floors. Paddy Power reckoned Fulham's win knocked out £250,000 worth of bets, Sky Bet reported many four- and five-figure wagers on United, while extrabet.com took the largest stake on Roy Hodgson's team – £1,000 at 7-1. Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing of Aston Villa was cheered on by the Sporting Index client who sold the time of the third goal for Rafael Benítez's side at 81 for £200 per minute, a trade which netted him £8,400.

Retief Goosen's first PGA Tour win for nearly four years was predicted by many golf bettors. The South African was the subject of some shrewd bets, including one of £3,000 at 9-1 (Paddy Power), £100 at 40-1 (extrabet.com) and £500 at 4-1 (Ladbrokes), while Sky Bet reported a £20,000 swing against them after Goosen denied Charles Howell the Transitions Championship title.