Three-of-a-kind: Gardai hunt trio who made off with takings from Kilkenny pub’s poker machine

THREE opportunistic thieves literally hit the jackpot after they broke the lock on a poker machine in one of Kilkenny’s best-known pubs before pocketing the money and scarpering out of the premises.

While the chips may be down at the John Street premises, Kilkenny gardai are not bluffing when they say they will do everything they can to catch the culprits.

The incident occurred sometime between 9pm and 11pm on Valentine’s night.

Kilkenny gardai said the three men were drinking in the bar before they decided to try their luck on the poker machine.

But instead the poker-faced trio ended up breaking the lock on the machine before leaving the premises with their pockets bulging with coins.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Kilkenny Garda Station on 057 777 5000.