National Hurling League Explained

Allianz National Hurling League
Currentlyrunning:2025 National Hurling League
Irish:Sraith Iomána Náisiúnta
Code:Hurling
Region: Ireland
No. Of Teams:35
First Winners:Cork
Title Holders: Clare
Currentordinal:5
Super:th
Most Titles: Kilkenny
Tipperary
Mostordinal:19
Sponsors:Allianz
Tv:RTÉ2, TG4 and Eir Sport
Premier Sports (UK, including NI)
Website:Official website

The National Hurling League is an annual inter-county hurling competition featuring teams from Ireland and England. Founded in 1925 by the Gaelic Athletic Association, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation within the league system.

The league has 35 teams divided into five divisions, with seven teams in each division. Promotion and relegation between these divisions is a central feature of the league. Although primarily a competition for Irish teams, teams from England – currently Lancashire, London and Warwickshire – also take part, while in the past New York also fielded a team for the latter stages of the league.[1] Teams representing subdivisions of counties, such as Fingal and South Down have also participated at various times.[2]

The National Hurling League has been associated with a title sponsor since 1985. Ford, Royal Liver and Church & General have all served as sponsors of the league since then. The competition is currently sponsored by Allianz and is officially known as the Allianz Hurling League.[3]

The league season runs from late January to March with each team in the group playing each other once. The top two teams in Division 1A will advance to the National Hurling League Final. The winners of the League title are awarded the Dr Croke Cup and are officially regarded as the National Hurling League champions.

The National Hurling League title has been won by 10 different teams, 9 of whom have won the title more than once. The all-time record-holders are Tipperary and Kilkenny, who have won the league on 19 occasions. Clare won the 2024 title.

History

Creation

Since 1887, the All-Ireland Championship had been steadily growing in interest and in participation.[4] The championship, however, was largely confined to the summer months, resulting in a lack of top class inter-county action between September and April. Inter-county tournament games were popular as a way of filling the void, while some provinces organised their own pre-championship competitions, most notably the Thomond Feis in Munster.[5] Several counties had also organised inter-club leagues as a means of supplementing the county championship by providing more games. While these had proved successful, it was decided to create a national senior inter-county league to provide games during the winter and spring months.

Beginnings

The inaugural National Hurling League began on 27 September 1925 and ended on 16 May 1926. Seven teams - Cork, Dublin, Galway. Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick and Tipperary - competed in a six-game single round-robin format. At the end of the group stage the top two teams contested the league final. Cork won the 1925–26 league following a 3–7 to 1–5 defeat of Dublin in the final.

Development

While no league took place during the 1926–27 season, the 1926–27 league featured nine teams. A single round-robin format was once again used, with each team playing eight games. The second league featured no final, with Tipperary being declared champions after securing 14 points from their group stage games.

The 1928-29 league featured twelve teams divided in two groups based on geographical position. The Eastern Division comprised five teams from the province of Leinster, while the Southwestern Division had seven teams from the province of Munster and Galway. The top teams in each division played off in the final to determine the champions. This format was used on a number of occasions until the 1934–35, when the league reverted to a straightforward one-group league with the top-placed team being declared the champions. This format was used again during the leagues in 1935–36 and 1936–37.

Ten teams entered the 1937–38 league, with two groups of five teams competing. A third group was added in 1938–39 as the number of teams increased to thirteen. These formats were regularly used over the following seasons, depending on the number of teams participating.

Between 1941 and 1945 the league was suspended due to the Emergency.

The 1955–56 league saw the introduction of a major change in format. As a result of a lack of interest from defeated first-round teams in recent years, Central Council introduced a two-division league featuring a new system of relegation and promotion. Division 1 was confined to ten teams in two groups of five. The bottom-placed team in each group would play off to decide which of the two teams would be relegated. Division 2 was made up of the 'second tier' hurling teams and featured eight teams divided into two groups. Limerick became the first team to be relegated, while Antrim became the first team to gain promotion under the new system.

Schedule

In the 20th century, National League fixtures were played during inter-county windows in the later and early months of the calendar year, while the SHC occupied the inter-county window during those months that made up the middle of the year, e.g. May, August. Club competitions of lesser importance occurred alongside the inter-county games so as to provide meaningful game time for players possessed of insufficient ability to compete at the higher (inter-county) level.

From 1997, National League fixtures were played during the early months of the calendar year, preceding the SHC, which remained in the traditional mid-year position. An April club window allowed inter-county players to return to their clubs to participate in some early rounds of the more important club competitions, i.e. championship fixtures.

This arrangement was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the impact of the pandemic on Gaelic games, the 2020 National League was suspended in March and all Gaelic games ceased until the middle of the year, when club fixtures were first to resume. The National League was then completed in October, ahead of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship (which was completed in December). This led to a motion (passed at the 2021 GAA Congress) to adopt a "split season" model, whereby club competitions would occupy one part of the calendar year and inter-county fixtures the other part.[6]

Sponsorship

Since 1985, the National Hurling League has been sponsored. The sponsor has usually been able to determine the league's sponsorship name.

PeriodSponsor(s)Name
1925–1985No main sponsorThe National Hurling League
1985–1987 FordThe Ford National Hurling League
1987–1992 Royal LiverThe Royal Liver National Hurling League
1992–1999 Church & GeneralThe Church & General National Hurling League
1999– AllianzThe Allianz Hurling League

Division 1

History

Division 1 has existed in its current form since the 2012 league.[7] Prior to this, Division 1 had existed as a single division of eight teams. The new division, comprising two groups, was created using the final rankings from the 2011 league. The top six teams from that year's Division 1 were added to the new Division 1A. The bottom two teams from Division 1 and the top four teams from Division 2 were added to the new Division 1B.

In 2012 and 2013, the top two teams in Division 1B contested a final, with the winners joining the top three teams from Division 1A in the semi-finals of the league proper. This format was abandoned when the quarter-final stage was introduced during the 2014 league.[8]

Format

There are currently seven teams in Division 1A.

During the course of a season (from February to March) each team plays the others once (a single round-robin system) for a total of 21 games. Teams receive two points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss. Where two teams are level on points, the team that wins the head-to-head match is ranked ahead. If this game is a draw, points difference (total scored minus total conceded in all games) is used to rank the teams. Where three or more teams are level on points, points difference is used to rank them.

The top two teams in Division 1A contest the National Hurling League final. The bottom two teams in Division 1A are relegated to Division 1B.

2025 Teams

The following seven teams are competing in Division 1A during the 2025 league.

TeamPosition in table in 2024First year in Division 1AIn Division 1A sinceDivision 1 titlesLast Division 1 title
ClareChampions52024
CorkGroup stage141998
GalwayGroup Stage112021
KilkennyRunners-up192021
LimerickSemi-finals142023
TipperarySemi-finals192008
WexfordGroup Stage41972–73

Venues

Attendances

Stadium attendances are a significant source of regular income for Central Council and for the teams involved. For the knock-out stages of the 2017 league, average attendances were 12,474 with a total aggregate attendance figure of 87,321 for the seven games.

Group stage

The league is operated using a home and away basis every second year. Fixtures in the five group stage rounds of the league are played at the home ground of one of the two teams involved. Each team is guaranteed at least two home games.

Quarter-finals

The quarter-finals of the league are usually played at the home venue of one of the teams involved. The team which receives home advantage is decided by using the home and away agreement or by a coin toss.

Semi-finals

The semi-finals of the league are usually played on the same day at the same venue as part of a double-header of games. Semple Stadium, Nowlan Park and the Gaelic Grounds have all been used as the venues for the semi-finals.

Final

Since 2000, Semple Stadium has been used on ten occasions as the host venue for the league final. The Gaelic Grounds, Nowlan Park and Croke Park have also been used as the final venue during this time.

Managers

Managers in the National Hurling League are involved in the day-to-day running of the team, including the training, team selection, and sourcing of players from the club championships. Their influence varies from county-to-county and is related to the individual county boards. From 2018, all inter-county head coaches must be Award 2 qualified. The manager is assisted by a team of two or three selectors and an extensive backroom team consisting of various coaches. Prior to the development of the concept of a manager in the 1970s, teams were usually managed by a team of selectors with one member acting as chairman.

+ Winning managers (1976–2021)
ManagerTeamWinsWinning years
Brian CodyKilkenny102002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2021
Pat HendersonKilkenny31981-82, 1982-83, 1985-86
Justin McCarthyClare
Waterford
31977, 1978
2007
John KielyLimerick32019, 2020, 2023
Fr. Harry BohanClare21977, 1978
Noel DrumgooleLimerick21983-84, 1984-85
Nicky EnglishTipperary21999, 2001
Cyril FarrellGalway21986-87, 1988-89
Michael KeatingTipperary21987-88, 1993-94
Mattie MurphyGalway21995-96, 2000
Jimmy Barry-MurphyCork11998
Phil BennisLimerick11991-92
Anthony DalyDublin12011
Micheál DonoghueGalway12017
Davy FitzgeraldClare12016
Len GaynorCork11978-79
Conor HayesGalway12004
Dermot HealyKilkenny11989-90
Pádraig HoranOffaly11990-91
Gerald McCarthyCork11980-81
Derek McGrathWaterford12015
John McIntyreGalway12010
Michael O'BrienCork11992-93
Tom RyanLimerick11997
Liam SheedyTipperary12008
Bertie TroyCork11979-80
Ollie WalshKilkenny11994-95
Shane O'NeillGalway12021
Liam CahillWaterford12022
Brian LohanClare12024
Notes

Winners

By county

CountyTitlesRunners-upYears wonYears runners-up
Tipperary19201927–28, 1948–49, 1949–50, 1951–52, 1953–54, 1954–55, 1956–57, 1958–59, 1959–60, 1960–61, 1963–64, 1964–65, 1967–68, 1978–79, 1987–88, 1993–94, 1999, 2001, 20081930–31, 1937–38, 1939–40, 1947–48, 1952–53, 1955–56, 1962–63, 1965–66, 1970–71, 1974–75, 1988–89, 1991–92, 1995–96, 2000, 2003, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018
Kilkenny19131932–33, 1961–62, 1965–66, 1975–76, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1985–86, 1989–90, 1994–95, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2021*1946–47, 1949–50, 1953–54, 1956–57, 1964–65, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1976–77, 1977–78, 2007, 2011, 2023, 2024
Cork1491925–26, 1929–30, 1939–40, 1940–41, 1947–48, 1952–53, 1968–69, 1969–70, 1971–72, 1973–74, 1979–80, 1980–81, 1992–93, 19981928–29, 1948–49, 1959–60, 1961–62, 2002, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2022
Limerick1491933–34, 1934–35, 1935–36, 1936–37, 1937–38, 1946–47, 1970–71, 1983–84, 1984–85, 1991–92, 1997, 2019, 2020, 20231932–33, 1957–58, 1969–70, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1979–80, 1982–83, 2006
Galway1161930–31, 1950–51, 1974–75, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1995–96, 2000, 2004, 2010, 2017, 2021*1978–79, 1985–86, 1993–94, 1997, 1999, 2008
Clare571945–46, 1976–77, 1977–78, 2016, 20241975–76, 1984–85, 1986–87, 1994–95, 2001, 2005, 2020
Wexford4101955–56, 1957–58, 1966–67, 1972–731950–51, 1951–52, 1954–55, 1963–64, 1968–69, 1981–82, 1983–84, 1989–90, 1990–91, 1992–93
Waterford471962–63, 2007, 2015, 20221938–39, 1958–59, 1960–61, 1998, 2004, 2016, 2019
Dublin351928–29, 1938–39, 20111925–26, 1929–30, 1933–34, 1940–41, 1945–46
Offaly121990–911980–81, 1987–88

Notes

Wins by provinces

County!Title(s)!Runners-up!Total
Munster5652108
Leinster273057
Connacht11617
Ulster000

List of finals

Legend

All-Ireland champions
All-Ireland runners-up

List of finals

YearWinnersRunners-upVenueWinning Captain
CountyScoreCountyScore
1925–26Cork3–7Dublin1–5Seán Óg Murphy
1926–27League not held
1927–28Tipperarywon on points system with 14 points from eight games Johnny Leahy
1928–29Dublin7–4Cork5–5Mick Gill
Cork3–5Dublin3–0Eudie Coughlan
1930–31Galway4–5Tipperary4–4Ignatius Harney
1931–32League not held
1932–33Kilkenny3–8Limerick1–3Nowlan ParkEddie Doyle
1933–34Limerick3–6Dublin3–3Gaelic GroundsMick Kennedy
1934–35Limerickwon on points system with 15 points from eight games Timmy Ryan
1935–36Limerickwon on points system with 15 points from eight games Timmy Ryan
1936–37Limerickwon on points system with 13 points from eight games Mick Mackey
1937–38Limerick5-2Tipperary1-1Mick Mackey
1938–39Dublin1–8Waterford1–4Mick Daniels
1939–40Cork8-9Tipperary6-4Jack Lynch
1940–41Cork4–11Dublin2–7Connie Buckley
1941-45League suspended for four seasons
1945–46Clare2–10Dublin2–5After a replayMick Daly
1946–47Limerick3–8Kilkenny1–7After a replayJackie Power
1947–48Cork3–3Tipperary1–2Jim Young
1948–49Tipperary3–5Cork3–3Pat Stakelum
1949–50Tipperary3–81–10Seán Kenny
1950–51Galway6–7Wexford3–4M. J. 'Inky' Flaherty
1951–52Tipperary4–7Wexford4–6Pat Stakelum
1952–53Cork2–10Tipperary2–7David O'Leary
1953–54Tipperary3–10Kilkenny1–4Jimmy Finn
1954–55Tipperary3–5Wexford1–5John Doyle
1955–56Wexford5–9Tipperary2–14Jim English
1956–57Tipperary3–11Kilkenny2–7
1957–58Wexford5–7Limerick4–8
1958–59Tipperary0–15Waterford0–7
1959–60Tipperary2–15Cork3–8Tony Wall
1960–61Tipperary6–6Waterford4–9Matt Hassett
1961–62Kilkenny1–16Cork1–8Alfie Hickey
1962–63
(Replay)
Waterford3-6
3-10
New York3-6
1-10
Croke Park
Nowlan Park
John Meaney
Home finalWaterford2–15Tipperary4–7John Meaney
1963–64Tipperary5–12Wexford1–4
1964–65Tipperary3–14Kilkenny2–8Jimmy Doyle
1965–66Kilkenny10–15New York2–15Jim Lynch
Home finalKilkenny0–9Tipperary0–7Jim Lynch
1966–67Wexford3–10 Kilkenny1–9Jimmy O'Brien
1967–68Tipperary6–27New York4–22Gaelic ParkMick Roche
Home finalTipperary3–9Kilkenny1–13Mick Roche
1968–69Cork3–12Wexford1–14Denis Murphy
1969–70Cork5–21New York6–16Gaelic ParkGerald McCarthy
Home finalCork2–17Limerick0–7Gerald McCarthy
1970–71Limerick3–12Tipperary3–11Cork Athletic GroundsTony O'Brien
1971–72Cork3–14Limerick2–14Gaelic GroundsFrank Norberg
1972–73Wexford4–13Limerick3–7Gaelic GroundsJohn Quigley
1973–74Cork6–15Limerick1–12Gaelic GroundsJohn Horgan
1974–75Galway4–9Tipperary4–6Gaelic GroundsJohn Connolly
1975–76
(R)
Kilkenny0–16
6–14
Clare2–10
1–14
Semple Stadium
Semple Stadium
Phil 'Fan' Larkin
1976–77Clare2–8Kilkenny0–9Semple StadiumJohn McNamara
1977–78Clare3-10Kilkenny1-10Semple StadiumSeán Stack
1978–79Tipperary3–15Galway0–8Gaelic GroundsPaddy Williams
1979–80
(R)
Cork2–10
4–15
Limerick2–10
4–6
Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Dermot Mac Curtain
1980–81Cork3–11Offaly2–8Semple StadiumDónal O'Grady
1981–82Kilkenny2–14 Wexford1–11Croke ParkBrian Cody
1982–83Kilkenny2–14 Limerick2–12Semple StadiumLiam Fennelly
1983–84Limerick3–16Wexford1–9Semple StadiumLeonard Enright
1984–85Limerick3–12Clare1–7Semple StadiumLeonard Enright
1985–86Kilkenny2–10Galway2–6 Semple StadiumFrank Holohan
1986–87Galway3–12Clare3–10Semple StadiumConor Hayes
1987–88Tipperary3–15 Offaly2–9Croke ParkPat O'Neill
1988–89Galway2–16Tipperary4–8Croke ParkConor Hayes
1989–90Kilkenny0–19New York0–9Gaelic ParkKevin Fennelly
Home finalKilkenny3-12Wexford1-10Croke ParkKevin Fennelly
1990–91Offaly2–6Wexford0–10Croke ParkDanny Owens
1991–92Limerick0–14Tipperary0–13 Gaelic GroundsJoe O'Connor
1992–93
(Replay)
(2nd replay)
Cork2–11
0–18
3–11
Wexford2–11
3–9
1–12
Semple Stadium
Semple Stadium
Semple Stadium
Brian Corcoran
1993–94Tipperary2–14Galway0–12Gaelic GroundsGeorge Frend
1994–95Kilkenny2–12Clare0–9 Semple StadiumBill Hennessy
1995–96Galway2–10Tipperary2–8Gaelic GroundsMichael Coleman
1997Limerick1–12Galway1–9Cusack ParkGary Kirby
1998Cork2–14Waterford0–13Semple StadiumDiarmuid O'Sullivan
1999Tipperary1–14Galway1–10 Cusack ParkTommy Dunne
2000Galway2–18Tipperary2–13Gaelic GroundsJoe Rabbitte
2001Tipperary1–19 Clare0–17 Gaelic GroundsTommy Dunne
2002Kilkenny2–15 Cork2–14Semple StadiumAndy Comerford
2003Kilkenny5–14 Tipperary5–13Croke ParkD.J. Carey
2004Galway2–15Waterford1–13 Gaelic GroundsOllie Canning
2005Kilkenny3–20Clare0–15Semple StadiumPeter Barry
2006Kilkenny3–11 Limerick0–14Semple StadiumJackie Tyrrell
2007Waterford0–20Kilkenny0–18 Semple StadiumMichael 'Brick' Walsh
2008Tipperary3–18Galway3–16 Gaelic GroundsEoin Kelly
2009Kilkenny2–26Tipperary4–17Semple StadiumHenry Shefflin
2010Galway2–221–17Semple StadiumShane Kavanagh
2011Dublin0–221–07Croke ParkJohn McCaffrey
2012Kilkenny3-210–16Semple StadiumEoin Larkin
2013Kilkenny2-170–20Nowlan ParkColin Fennelly
2014Kilkenny2-251-27Semple StadiumLester Ryan
2015Waterford1-240-17Semple StadiumKevin Moran
2016Clare1-232-19Semple StadiumCian Dillon & Tony Kelly
2017Galway3-21 0-14Gaelic GroundsDavid Burke
2018Kilkenny2-23 2-17Nowlan ParkCillian Buckley
2019Limerick1-24 0-19Croke ParkDeclan Hannon
2020Limerick0-36 1-23Semple StadiumDeclan Hannon
2021Galway and Kilkenny share titleN/APádraic Mannion
Adrian Mullen
2022[9] 4-201-23Conor Prunty
2023[10] Limerick2-20 Kilkenny0-15Páirc Uí ChaoimhCian Lynch
2024Clare3-161-20Semple StadiumConor Cleary

Records and statistics

By decade

The most successful team of each decade, judged by number of National Hurling League titles, is as follows:

Gaps

Top ten longest gaps between successive league titles:

Division 1B

History

Division 1B has existed in its current form since the 2025 league. Prior to this, Division 1B teams competed in Division 1 and Division 2A. The new division was created using the final rankings from the 2024 league.

Format

There are currently seven teams in Division 1B.

During the course of a season (from February to March) each team plays the others once (a single round-robin system) for a total of 21 games. Teams receive two points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss. Where two teams are level on points, the team that wins the head-to-head match is ranked ahead. If this game is a draw, points difference (total scored minus total conceded in all games) is used to rank the teams. Where three or more teams are level on points, points difference is used to rank them.

The top two teams in Division 1B contest the final and are promoted to Division 1A. The bottom two teams in Division 1B are relegated to Division 2.

2025 Teams

The following seven teams are competing in Division 1B during the 2025 league.

TeamPosition in table in 2024First year in Division 1BIn Division 1B sinceDivision 1B titlesLast Division 1B title
Antrim6th (Division 1B)201220250
CarlowRunners-up (Division 2A)201320250
Dublin4th (Division 1B)2013202512013
LaoisChampions (Division 2A)201220250
Offaly6th (Division 1A)201220250
Waterford5th (Division 1A)202520250
Westmeath5th (Division 1B)202520250

List of finals

YearWinnersRunners-upStadium
CountyScoreCountyScore
2025
2013–2024No Division
2013Dublin1-16Limerick1-15Semple Stadium[11]
2012Clare0-21Limerick1-16Gaelic Grounds[12]

Roll of honour

CountyTitlesRunners-upWinning yearsLosing years
1 Clare102012
Dublin102013
3 Limerick022012, 2013

Division 2

History

Division 2 has existed in its current form since the 2025 league. Prior to this, Division 2 teams competed in Division 2A and Division 2B. The new division was created using the final rankings from the 2024 league.

Format

There are currently seven teams in Division 2.

During the course of a season (from February to March) each team plays the others once (a single round-robin system) for a total of 21 games. Teams receive two points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss. Where two teams are level on points, the team that wins the head-to-head match is ranked ahead. If this game is a draw, points difference (total scored minus total conceded in all games) is used to rank the teams. Where three or more teams are level on points, points difference is used to rank them.

The top two teams in Division 2 contest the final and are promoted to Division 1B. The bottom two teams in Division 2 are relegated to Division 3.

2025 Teams

The following seven teams are competing in Division 2 during the 2025 league.

TeamPosition in table in 2024First year in Division 2In Division 2 sinceDivision 2 titlesLast Division 2 title
DerryChampions (Division 2B)1988–89201211999
DonegalSemi-finals (Division 2B)201520210
DownSemi-finals (Division 2A)1955–56200812004
Kerry5th (Division 2A)1955–56201892015
Kildare4th (Division 2A)1956–57201211969
Meath6th (Division 2A)1955–56201242000
TyroneRunners-up (Division 2B)199820230

Roll of honour

CountyTitlesWinning years
1 Kerry91957, 1962, 1967, 1968, 1979, 1998, 2001, 2014, 2015
2 Westmeath71964, 1975, 1977, 2008, 2016, 2019, 2022
Laois71960, 1965, 1993, 2002, 2007, 2013, 2024
Carlow71958, 1959, 1974, 1978, 1981, 2012, 2018
5 Antrim61956, 1970, 1992, 2003, 2017, 2020
Offaly61966, 1988, 2005, 2009, 2021, 2023
7 Wicklow41971, 1976, 1980, 1982
Meath41963, 1972, 1973, 2000
9 Wexford31986, 1996, 2010
10 Tipperary21984, 1987
Clare21990, 1994
Dublin21997, 2006
Limerick21983, 2011
14 Kildare11969
Cork11989
Galway11991
Waterford11995
Derry11999
Down12004

Relegated teams

YearTeamRef.
2012Down[13]
2013Wicklow[14]
2014Kildare[15]
2015Wicklow[16]
2016Derry[17]
2017Armagh[18]
2018Kildare[19]
2019London
2020Mayo
2021Wicklow
2022Meath
2023Derry

List of finals

YearWinnersRunners-upStadiumCaptain
CountyScoreCountyScore
Division 2
2025
Division 2A
2024Laois2-22Carlow1-12
2023Offaly0-24Kildare1-18
2022Westmeath5-19Down1-17FBD Semple StadiumKillian Doyle[20]
2021Offaly10 ptsCarlow6 ptsN/ABen Conneely
2020Antrim2-23Kerry2-20O'Connor ParkConor McCann
2019Westmeath0-12Kerry0-10Cusack ParkAonghus Clarke
2018Carlow2-19Westmeath2-12O'Moore ParkEoin Nolan
Richard Coady
[21]
20172-12Carlow0-15Páirc EslerSimon McCrory[22]
20160-10Carlow0-08O'Connor ParkAonghus Clarke[23]
2015Kerry5-17Westmeath3-17Gaelic GroundsJohn Griffin[24]
2014Kerry3-16Carlow3-13Semple StadiumJohn Egan[25]
2013Laois3-14Westmeath1-09O'Connor ParkMatthew Whelan[26]
2012Carlow1-14Westmeath0-12Nowlan ParkShane Kavanagh
Edward Coady
[27]
Division 2
2011Limerick4-12Clare2-13Cusack Park[28]
2010Wexford1-16Clare2-09Semple Stadium[29]
2009Offaly1-13Wexford0-13Semple Stadium[30]
2008Westmeath2-12Carlow0-12Gaelic Grounds[31]
2007Laois2-19Wicklow0-08Semple Stadium[32]
2006Dublin0-16Kerry1-06Semple Stadium[33]
2005Offaly6-21Carlow4-07Semple Stadium[34]
2004Down5-15Westmeath3-07Gaelic Grounds[35]
2003Antrim3-18Kerry2-12Croke Park[36]
2002Laois1-20Antrim2-14Semple Stadium[37]
2001Kerry4-14Westmeath3-10Croke Park
2000Meath5-14Carlow2-10Cusack Park[38]
1999Derry1-14Wicklow0-13O'Moore Park[39]
1998Kerry1-11Westmeath2-06MacDonagh Park
1997Dublin
1995-96Wexford
1994-95Waterford
1993-94Clare
1992-93Laois
1991-92Antrim
1990-91Galway
1989-90Clare
1988-89Cork
1987-88Offaly
1986-87Tipperary
1985-86Wexford
1984-85Clare
1983-84Tipperary
1982-83Limerick
1981-82Wicklow
1980-81Carlow
1979-80Wicklow
1978-79Kerry
1977-78Carlow
1976-77Westmeath
1975-76Wicklow
1974-75Westmeath
1973-74Carlow
1972-73Meath
1971-72Meath
1970-71Wicklow
1969-70Antrim
1968-69Kildare
1967-68Kerry
1966-67Kerry
1965-66Offaly
1964-65Laois
1963-64Westmeath
1962-63Meath
1961-62Kerry
1960-61
1959-60Laois
1958-59Carlow
1957-58Carlow
1956-57Kerry
1955-56Antrim

Division 3

History

Division 3 has existed in its current form since 2025. Prior to this, Division 3 had existed as 2 divisions of six teams each. The new division was created using the final rankings from the 2024 league.

Format

There are currently seven teams in Division 3.

During the course of a season (from January to March) each team plays the others once (a single round-robin system) for a total of 21 games. Teams receive two points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss. Where two teams are level on points, the team that wins the head-to-head match is ranked ahead. If this game is a draw, points difference (total scored minus total conceded in all games) is used to rank the teams. Where three or more teams are level on points, points difference is used to rank them.

The top two teams in Division 3 contest the final and are promoted to Division 2 the following season.

The bottom two teams in Division 3 are relegated to Division 4 the following season. Their place in the division is then taken by the Division 4 champions and runners-up, who gain automatic promotion.

2025 Teams

The following seven teams are competing in Division 3 during the 2025 league.

TeamPosition in table in 2024First year in Division 3In Division 3 sinceDivision 3 titlesLast Division 3 title
Armagh4th (Division 3A) 201922006
CavanSemi-finals (Division 3A)20180
London4th (Division 2B)202511996
MayoChampions (Division 3A)202332024
Roscommon5th (Division 2B)202552023
SligoRunners-up (Division 3A)202422021
Wicklow6th (Division 2B)202522011

Roll of honour

CountyTitlesWinning years
1 Donegal52001, 2005, 2014, 2017, 2020
Roscommon51993, 2007, 2016, 2019, 2023
3 Mayo31998, 2003, 2024
4Armagh21999, 2006
Louth22000, 2008
Kildare21992, 2009
Wicklow21991, 2011
Fingal22012, 2013
Sligo22004, 2021
Tyrone22015, 2022
11Carlow11994
Westmeath11995
London11996
Longford12002
Kerry12010
Warwickshire12018

List of finals

YearWinnersRunners-upStadiumRef.
CountyScoreCountyScore
Division 3
2025
Division 3A
2024Mayo3-19Sligo3-16
2023Roscommon2-17Armagh0-15
2022Tyrone2-21Armagh2-19
2021Sligo8 ptsArmagh6 ptsN/A
2020Donegal1-18Armagh0-19
2019Roscommon0-14Armagh0-11
2018Warwickshire0-20Louth1-14St. Loman's Park
2017Donegal4-25Tyrone1-12Celtic Park[40]
2016Roscommon4-15Monaghan0-07Fr. Tierney Park[41]
2015Tyrone0-18Monaghan1-11Keady[42]
2014Donegal4-12Roscommon2-14Markievicz Park[43]
2013Fingal1-09Donegal1-05Breffni Park[44]
2012Fingalw/oMonaghanscr.N/A[45]
2011Wicklow2-20Derry3-14Pearse Park[46]
2010Kerry2-18Derry1-15Woodmount[47]
2009Kildare2-18Meath1-18Parnell Park[48]
Division 3
2008Louth1-16Donegal0-11Roosky[49]
2007Roscommon1-13Sligo0-15Kingspan Breffni Park[50]
2006Armagh3-10Longford1-11Kingspan Breffni Park[51]
2005Donegal1-14Mayo2-10Markievicz Park
2004Sligo3-12Tyrone1-08Fr. Tierney Park
2003Mayo2-11Sligo2-06MacHale Park
2002Longford1-12Louth0-12Páirc Tailteann
2001Donegal3-13Fermanagh2-10Kingspan Breffni Park
2000Louth0-16Longford1-11Cusack Park
1999Armagh0-13Mayo1-06Leo Casey Park
1998Mayo2-12Cavan1-08
1997
1995-96LondonKildare
1994-95WestmeathLondon
1993-94CarlowRoscommon
1992-93Roscommon0-08, w/oMayo0-08, scr
1991-92Kildare0-09Monaghan0-07
1990-91Wicklow

Relegated teams

YearCounty
2009Wicklow
2010Mayo
2011Armagh
2012Sligo[52]
2013Tyrone[53]
2014Longford[54]
2015Fermanagh[55]
2016Warwickshire[56]
2017
2018Longford[57]
2019Lancashire
2020Louth
2021Longford
2022Warwickshire
2023Fermanagh

Division 4

2025 Teams

The following seven teams are competing in Division 4 during the 2025 league.

TeamPosition in table in 2024First year in Division 4In Division 4 sinceDivision 4 titlesLast Division 4 title
FermanaghRunners-up (Division 3B)200820250
Lancashire5th (Division 3B)202520250
Leitrim4th (Division 3B)200820250
LongfordSemi-finals (Division 3B)201020250
Louth5th (Division 3A)202520250
Monaghan6th (Division 3A)2008202522010
WarwickshireChampions (Division 3B)202520250

List of finals

YearWinnersRunners-upStadium
CountyScoreCountyScore
2025
2012–2024No Division
2011Tyrone1-15South Down0-11Athletic Grounds[58]
2010Monaghan1-18Longford1-10Kingspan Breffni Park[59]
2009Sligo1-13Monaghan2-08Pearse Park[60]
2008Monaghan1-27South Down5-14Kingspan Breffni Park[61]

Roll of honour

CountyTitlesRunners-upYears wonYears runners-up
Monaghan212008, 20102009
Sligo102009
Tyrone102011
South Down022008, 2011
Longford012010

Former Divisions

Division 2B

List of finals

Year! colspan="2"
WinnersRunners-upStadiumRef.
CountyScoreCountyScore
2023Meath0-20Donegal0-14
2022Derry1-23Sligo2-15
2021Kildare8 ptsDerry4 pts
2020Down2-16Derry0-17
2019Wicklow1-09Derry0-08
2018Mayo1-15Down0-14Kingspan Breffni Park[62]
2017Meath4-24Wicklow2-15Parnell Park[63]
2016Armagh0-20Down1-15St. Brigid's Park[64]
2015Kildare0-22Meath0-17Cusack Park[65]
2014Wicklow0-23Down1-18Páirc Tailteann[66]
2013London1-16Meath1-14St. Conleth's Park[67]
2012Kildare3-13Meath1-12Parnell Park[68]

Roll of Honour

!#!County!Titles!Runners-up!Years won!Years runners-up
1Kildare302012, 2015, 2021-
2Meath232017, 20232012, 2013, 2015
Wicklow212014, 20192017
4Down1320202014, 2016, 2018
Derry1320222019, 2020, 2021
London102013-
Armagh102016-
Mayo102018-
9Sligo01-2022
Donegal01-2023

Relegated teams

Year! scope="col"
TeamRef.
2013Roscommon[69]
2014Fingal[70]
2015-[71]
2016Donegal[72]
2017Roscommon[73]
2018Armagh
2019Donegal
2020Warwickshire
2021Roscommon
2022Mayo
2023Sligo

Division 3B

Roll of Honour

!#!County!Titles!Runners-up!Years won!Years runners-up
1Longford332013, 2017, 20192015, 2016, 2022
Fermanagh302012, 2016, 2022-
3Warwickshire1220152012, 2017
Sligo1220202013, 2019
Roscommon1120112009
Louth1120212010
Cavan1120232021
London102009-
Wicklow102010-
Tyrone102014-
Lancashire102018-
12Leitrim04-2014, 2018, 2020, 2023
Mayo01-2011

List of finals

Year! colspan="2"
WinnersRunners-upStadiumRef.
CountyScoreCountyScore
2023Cavan0-17Leitrim0-16National Games Development Centre[74]
2022Fermanagh2-18Longford1-17Avant Money Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada
2021Louth6 ptsCavan3 ptsN/A
2020Sligo3-17Leitrim2-16Connacht Centre of Excellence
2019Longford2-15Sligo3-10Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence
2018Lancashire1-25Leitrim1-18First Ulsters Park
2017Longford4-19Warwickshire3-20Páirc Naomh Colmcille[75]
2016Fermanagh2-13Longford3-08Markievicz Park[76]
2015Warwickshire1-15Longford2-10Killegland West[77]
2014Tyrone0-13Leitrim1-09Markievicz Park[78]
2013Longford1-08Sligo0-09Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada[79]
2012Fermanagh2-15Warwickshire2-05Parnell Park[80]
2011Roscommon0-17Mayo1-12Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada[81]
2010Wicklow3-18Louth2-09Parnell Park[82]
2009London2-19Roscommon2-13Pearse Park

Division 3 Shield

Year! scope="col"
WinnersScoreRunners-upScoreStadiumRef.
2004Donegal4-14Cavan2-06Brewster Park
2005Fermanagh0-15Longford1-05Kingspan Breffni Park
2006Tyrone3-09Sligo0-10Kingspan Breffni Park[83]
2007Fermanagh1-11Leitrim1-10Markievicz Park

Player records

Players with most league wins

RankPlayerTeamEraWinsFinals
1John DoyleTipperary1948-1967101949-50, 1951-52, 1953-54, 1954-55, 1956-57, 1958-59, 1959-60, 1960-61, 1963-64, 1964-65
2Michael MaherTipperary1951-196681951-52, 1954-55, 1956-57, 1958-59, 1959-60, 1960-61, 1963-64, 1964-65
Theo EnglishTipperary1953-196781953–54, 1954–55, 1956–57, 1958–59, 1959–60, 1960–61, 1963–64, 1964–65
J. J. DelaneyKilkenny2001-201482002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014
5Mickey ByrneTipperary1945-196071948-49, 1949-50, 1953-54, 1954-55, 1956-57, 1958-59, 1959-60
Jimmy DoyleTipperary1957-197371956–57, 1958–59, 1959–60, 1960–61, 1963–64, 1964–65, 1967–68
7Pat StakelumTipperary1947-195761948–49, 1949–50, 1951–52, 1953–54, 1954–55, 1956–57
Liam DevaneyTipperary1954-196861954–55, 1956–57, 1958–59, 1959–60, 1960–61, 1964–65
Tony WallTipperary1953-196761956–57, 1958–59, 1959–60, 1960–61, 1963–64, 1964–65
Donie NealonTipperary1958-196961958–59, 1959–60, 1960–61, 1963–64, 1964–65, 1967–68
Henry ShefflinKilkenny1999-201462002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2014
Tommy WalshKilkenny2002-201462003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2013
Eoin LarkinKilkenny2005-201662005, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014
Jackie TyrrellKilkenny2003-201662005, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014

Broadcasting rights

Setanta Sports broadcasts live matches in Australia. Setanta Sports also provides matches from the National Hurling League in Asia. In Ireland TG4 shows live matches each week on Sunday afternoon, with deferred coverage of a second match shown straight after. Setanta Sports broadcasts matches live on the Saturday evening slot. Highlights for all the games are shown at 7:00pm on League Sunday on RTÉ2.

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Shameful day in New York's GAA history. 2 May 2014. Irish Examiner. 14 February 2018. Diarmuid. O'Flynn.
  2. Web site: County Committee calls time on Fingal hurling project. 17 September 2016. Irish Independent. 14 February 2018. Rory. Kerr.
  3. Web site: Allianz Ireland extend sponsorship of National Football and Hurling Leagues until 2020. 13 January 2016. Irish Independent. 14 February 2018.
  4. Web site: How Leix Won the All-Ireland Hurling Championship of 1915. Century Ireland. 9 January 2018. Paul. Rouse.
  5. Web site: Danno Mahony: a Charleville great honoured. The Corkman. 11 December 2008. 9 January 2018.
  6. News: Congress: Split GAA season with July All-Ireland finals coming next year. Hogan Stand. 27 February 2021.
  7. News: Revamp announced for next year's hurling league. Breaking News. 20 August 2011. 3 February 2018.
  8. News: Explainer: How does the new format for the 2014 hurling league work?. The 42. 20 August 2011. 16 February 2018.
  9. Web site: Stephen Bennett leads Waterford to emphatic Allianz NHL Division 1 final win over Cork . Irish Independent . 3 April 2022.
  10. Web site: Classy Limerick claim league honours with ease. 9 April 2023. RTE Sport. 12 April 2023.
  11. Dublin edge out Limerick for place in 1A. RTÉ.ie. 6 April 2013. 17 February 2018.
  12. Web site: Clare promoted amid high drama at the Gaelic Grounds. 7 April 2012. Breaking News. 17 February 2018.
  13. Web site: Kearns puts Wicklow on road to survival as Down fall by wayside. 23 April 2012. Irish Independent. 10 March 2018.
  14. Web site: Kildare hurlers survive relegation drop. 14 April 2013. Breaking News. 10 March 2018.
  15. Division 2A NHL Round-up. RTÉ.ie. 23 March 2014. 10 March 2018.
  16. Web site: Here's the quarter-final details for this year's Allianz hurling league. 22 May 2015. The 42. 10 March 2018.
  17. Web site: Divisions 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B promotion/relegation details. 20 March 2016. GAA website. 10 March 2018.
  18. Division 2 & 3 hurling round-up - Carlow and Antrim make 2A decider. RTÉ.ie. 29 March 2017. 10 March 2018.
  19. Web site: Kildare hurlers crash to fourth tier of the league as London prevail in relegation shootout. 10 March 2018. Kildare Now. 10 March 2018.
  20. Web site: Glennon hat-trick fires Westmeath to Division 2A victory . 3 April 2022 . the42.
  21. Web site: The good news continues for Carlow as their hurlers are crowned Division 2A champions. 24 March 2018. The 42. 25 March 2018.
  22. Web site: HL2A: Saffrons celebrate league success. 1 April 2017. Hogan Stand. 15 February 2018.
  23. Web site: Final joy and play-off shot as Westmeath hang on. 28 March 2016. Irish Examiner. 15 February 2018. Kevin. Egan.
  24. Web site: Rampant Kerry switch focus to Ring Cup. 6 April 2015. Irish Independent. 15 February 2018.
  25. Web site: Kelly hails Kingdom's fighting spirit. 7 April 2014. Irish Independent. 15 February 2018. Jackie. Cahill.
  26. Web site: HL2A final: Brophy double KO's Westmeath. 14 April 2013. Hogan Stand. 15 February 2018.
  27. Web site: Carlow clinch promotion. 16 April 2012. Irish Examiner. 15 February 2018. Paul. O'Donovan.
  28. Web site: Limerick on the rise. 2 May 2011. Irish Independent. 10 March 2018. Christy. O'Connor.
  29. Web site: NHL 2 final: Jacob goal seals title for Wexford. 2 May 2010. Hogan Stand. 10 March 2018.
  30. Web site: Wexford dish out dreadful display. 6 May 2009. Gorey Guardian. 10 March 2018. Alan. Aherne.
  31. Web site: Murtagh leads the way as hurlers take league honours. 26 April 2008. Westmeath Examiner. 10 March 2018. Tom. Kelly.
  32. Web site: Laois put up big win over disappointing Wicklow in one-sided NHL Division 2 final. 3 May 2007. Irish Independent. 10 March 2018.
  33. Web site: Wan display enough to secure promotion for Dublin. 30 April 2006. Breaking News. 10 March 2018.
  34. Web site: Offaly hit Carlow for six. 8 May 2005. Irish Independent. 10 March 2018.
  35. Web site: Braniff on the mark as Down coast. 10 May 2004. Irish Independent. 10 March 2018.
  36. Web site: Northern aces quell Kingdom uprising. 6 May 2003. Irish Independent. 10 March 2018.
  37. Web site: Laois saved by Cuddy move. 6 May 2002. Irish Independent. 10 March 2018. Frank. Roche.
  38. Web site: Murray nets famous five. 29 May 2000. Irish Independent. 10 March 2018.
  39. Web site: Super sub O'Donnell comes to the rescue. 31 May 1999. Irish Independent. 10 March 2018.
  40. Web site: GAA: Dazzling Donegal hurlers win National Hurling League Division 3A title in style. 1 April 2017. Donegal Now. 16 February 2018.
  41. Web site: Roscommon's second half surge helps them to Division 3A title at Monaghan's expense. 26 March 2016. Irish Independent. 16 February 2018.
  42. Web site: AHL Division 3A Final: Tyrone 0-18 Monaghan 1-11. 6 April 2015. Tyrone GAA. 16 February 2018.
  43. Web site: Henderson steers Donegal home. 7 April 2014. Irish Independent. 16 February 2018.
  44. Web site: Daly swings it for Fingal. 15 April 2013. Irish Independent. 16 February 2018.
  45. Web site: Monaghan hurlers support manager and refuse to play. 11 April 2012. Irish Times. 16 February 2018.
  46. Web site: O'Neill finds his range as Wicklow dig deep to deny Derry. 18 April 2011. Irish Independent. 16 February 2018.
  47. Web site: Allianz NHL Division 3A Final – Kerry 2-18 Derry 1-15. 10 April 2010. Munster GAA. 16 February 2018.
  48. Web site: Kildare clinch promotion with final win. 2 May 2009. Irish Examiner. 16 February 2018.
  49. Web site: Louth capture hard-fought victory over Donegal. 13 April 2008. Irish Examiner. 17 February 2018.
  50. Web site: Armagh secure title with victory over Longford. 30 April 2006. Irish Examiner. 17 February 2018.
  51. Web site: Roscommon claim victory at Breffni Park. 30 April 2007. Irish Examiner. 17 February 2018.
  52. Web site: Henderson the hero for Donegal. 16 April 2012. Irish Examiner. 16 February 2018. Alan. Foley.
  53. Web site: Fingal take final glory. 14 April 2013. Irish Independent. 16 February 2018.
  54. Web site: Another defeat leaves Longford hurlers facing relegation. 20 March 2014. Longford Leader. 16 February 2018.
  55. Web site: Here's the quarter-final details for this year's Allianz hurling league. 22 March 2015. The 42. 16 February 2018.
  56. Web site: Warwickshire sees off lacklustre Leitrim in opening round. 28 April 2016. The Irish World. 16 February 2018.
  57. Web site: Longford relegated to Division 3B. 25 February 2018. Shannonside. 11 March 2018.
  58. Web site: Tyrone take Division Four hurling title. 17 April 2011. Irish Examiner. 17 February 2018.
  59. Web site: Hilliard strike puts Monaghan on road to title. 12 April 2010. Irish Independent. 17 February 2018.
  60. Web site: Division Four title goes to Sligo after extra time. 2 May 2009. Breaking News. 17 February 2018.
  61. Web site: Relentless Lambe lands title for Farney in thriller. 14 April 2008. Irish Independent. 17 February 2018.
  62. Web site: Commins . Michael . 20 March 2018 . A spring day to savour for Mayo’s hurlers . 20 March 2018 . The Mayo News.
  63. Web site: 1 April 2017 . HL2B: A hat-trick for O'Sullivan as Royals seal promotion . 15 February 2018 . Hogan Stand.
  64. Web site: Bannon . Orla . 28 March 2016 . Gaffney finds range as Armagh moving on up . 15 February 2018 . Irish Examiner.
  65. Web site: O'Malley . Cormac . 6 April 2015 . Kildare edge Meath to secure promotion . 15 February 2018 . Irish Examiner.
  66. Web site: Kennedy . Ciarán . 6 April 2014 . Garden county capture crown . 15 February 2018 . Irish Independent.
  67. Web site: 14 April 2013 . Exiles take Division 2B hurling crown . 15 February 2018 . Breaking News.
  68. Web site: Walsh . Daire . 16 April 2012 . Late goals wrap it up for Kildare . 15 February 2018 . Irish Examiner.
  69. Web site: 1 April 2013 . HL2B: Maher double relegates Rossies . 11 March 2018 . Hogan Stand.
  70. Web site: 14 April 2014 . Hannigan brace unhinges Fingal . 11 March 2018 . Irish Independent.
  71. News: 18 April 2015 . Hurling League: Donegal defeat Tyrone in play-off replay . 11 March 2018 . BBC Sport.
  72. Web site: 4 April 2016 . Storey focusing on Meath with status secure . 11 March 2018 . Irish Independent.
  73. Web site: 1 April 2017 . Roscommon relegated to Division 3A after playoff defeat to Mayo . 11 March 2018 . Irish Independent.
  74. News: Fitzpatrick . Paul . 1 April 2023 . Allianz HL D3B Final: Cavan pip Letrim . 1 April 2023 . Gaelic Athletic Association.
  75. Web site: Duffy . Colin . 6 April 2017 . Longford hurlers win National League Division 3B title in overcoming Warwickshire after extra-time . 15 February 2018 . Longford Leader.
  76. Web site: O'Flaherty . Denise . 28 March 2016 . Fermanagh revival seals title as Longford fall short . 15 February 2018 . Irish Examiner.
  77. Web site: 4 April 2015 . HL 3B final: Warwickshire make 13-man Longford pay . 16 February 2018 . Hogan Stand.
  78. Web site: 7 April 2014 . Casey's last puck snatches glory for Tyrone . 16 February 2018 . Irish Independent.
  79. Web site: 15 April 2013 . Kelly hero for Longford . 16 February 2018 . Irish Independent.
  80. Web site: 15 April 2012 . Corrigan the star for Division 3B champions Fermanagh . 16 February 2018 . Breaking News.
  81. Web site: 17 April 2011 . NHL 3B: Rossies seal title after local joust . 16 February 2018 . Hogan Stand.
  82. Web site: 1 May 2010 . NHL 3B final: O'Neill-inspired Wicklow power to title . 16 February 2018 . Hogan Stand.
  83. Web site: 30 April 2006 . Armagh secure title with victory over Longford . 2 March 2018 . Irish Examiner.